Angle Sensor Reference for Vehicle Liftgate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated vehicle closure systems, such as lift gates, face challenges in detecting obstacles due to mechanical backlash and varying rotational closure system angles, leading to delayed obstacle detection and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A direct sensing technique that uses an angle sensor to generate an angle signal for a controller, allowing for precise control and obstacle detection by sensing the absolute position of the rotational closure system, rather than relying on motor or drive mechanism signals, and a configurable angle sensor unit to accommodate different mounting angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indirect sensing technique using Hall Effect sensors or optical vane interrupt sensors is used to detect obstacles, then velocity-based obstacle detection can be implemented, but mechanical backlash and system flex cause delayed detection (hundreds of milliseconds) especially at end of travel when sensitivity should be highest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical sensing (Hall Effect sensors, optical vane interrupt sensors) with direct position sensing using an angle sensor that measures the absolute angular position of the closure system. This substitution eliminates the delay caused by mechanical backlash and velocity transition detection, providing immediate obstacle detection at any position including end of travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an angle sensor as an intermediary device that directly measures the angular position of the closure system. This intermediary provides accurate position feedback without being affected by mechanical backlash in the drive mechanism, enabling precise obstacle detection at all travel positions.
2Measurement precision
If different controllers are designed for each rotational closure system to accommodate varying mounting angles, then precise control can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the controller universal by incorporating a configurable angle sensor unit that can be programmed with different reference angles corresponding to various mounting configurations. This single controller design can accommodate multiple rotational closure systems with different mounting angles, eliminating the need for custom controllers for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configurability and adaptability into the controller through programmable reference angles. The controller can be dynamically configured to match different mounting scenarios, allowing the same hardware to function correctly across varying installation conditions without physical modification.
3Measurement precision
If different sensor mountings and configurations are used for each rotational closure system, then accurate angular position sensing can be achieved, but ease of manufacture and installation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal controller platform with a configurable angle sensor unit that can be manufactured in standard quantities. The programmable reference angle feature allows a single manufacturing process to produce controllers that adapt to different mounting configurations, significantly improving ease of manufacture compared to building custom controllers for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A control module for controlling a rotational closure system of a vehicle. The control module may include a printed circuit board having an electronic circuit disposed thereon. The electronic circuit may be used to control a rotational closure system of the vehicle. A header may be connected to the printed circuit board. The header may include a top side and a bottom side having a relative, non-zero degree angle formed therebetween. Pins may extend from the bottom of the header to form an electrical connection with the electronic circuit on the printed circuit board. An angle sensor may be positioned on the top side of the header and be electrically connected to the pins of the header to communicate with the electronic circuit. The angle sensor may generate an angle signal for the electronic circuit to use in positioning the rotational closure system.