Vehicle Closure Assembly Actuation via Approach Speed Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle closure assemblies, such as tailgate doors, do not automatically open when a user approaching with a heavy load, making it difficult for the user to easily load the cargo area, especially at slower speeds which indicate the load's heaviness.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle closure assembly actuation system that detects a user's approach speed and identifies if they are carrying a load, using radar sensors and cameras, and opens the tailgate door if the approach speed is significantly reduced, indicating a heavy load, with a threshold speed set based on the user's average approach speed and adjusted for slope and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the closure assembly opens automatically in response to a user pressing a button on a keyfob or making a particular gesture, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly system performs self-service by automatically detecting the user's approach and opening the closure without requiring manual button presses or gestures. The system uses sensors to detect the user's presence and automatically actuates the closure assembly, eliminating the need for additional user input mechanisms and reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (button presses, gesture recognition) with automated sensor-based detection. Optical sensors, radar sensors, or camera systems detect the user's approach and trigger closure assembly opening, substituting mechanical user input with automated electronic sensing and control systems
2Productivity
If the closure assembly opens automatically when a user approaches, then the productivity is improved by enabling easier loading, but the reliability decreases due to potential unintended opening at inappropriate times
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring multiple parameters (approach speed, distance, user identity) and adjusting the opening decision based on this feedback. The control module processes real-time sensor data to determine whether opening conditions are met, allowing the system to respond appropriately to different situations and avoid unintended opening while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts opening behavior based on real-time conditions. Rather than a fixed automatic opening rule, the system modifies its response based on varying parameters such as approach speed, distance from vehicle, and environmental factors, enabling reliable operation across different scenarios while maintaining productivity
3Measurement precision
If the system uses radar sensors and cameras to detect approach speed and load, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sensor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor systems serve multiple functions: radar sensors detect both approach speed and distance, cameras identify user identity and detect load presence. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor system to perform multiple measurement tasks, improving measurement precision across different parameters while minimizing the number of separate sensor systems required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (radar, optical sensors, cameras) into an integrated detection system that shares processing resources and control logic. By merging these sensor systems under a unified control module, the patent achieves high measurement precision for multiple parameters while reducing overall system complexity through shared infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Automatically opens the tailgate door when a user with a heavy load approaches, providing an easy access point for loading the cargo area, distinguishing between heavy and light loads based on approach speed and location, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
assessing the approach speed using at least one radar sensor of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
an actuator that moves the closure assembly from a closed position to an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle closure assembly actuating method includes, among other things, detecting a user approaching the vehicle, and assessing an approach speed of the user. The approach speed is a speed at which the user is approaching the vehicle. The method further includes opening a closure assembly of the vehicle based, at least in part, on the approach speed from the assessing.