Deformable Striker Absorbs Tailgate Impact Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle tailgate systems, rear impacts can cause differential translation between upper and lower tailgates, leading to transient force peaks that may overcome the inertia of lightweight latching mechanisms, resulting in unintended de-latching, which has been addressed by reinforcing the latching system with added stiffness, increasing weight.
Innovation Solution
A deformable striker apparatus with a displaceable portion connected to a rigid portion, allowing deformation to absorb and distribute impact forces, reducing peak acceleration and the likelihood of self-de-latching, while maintaining connection between the striker and latch apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching system is reinforced to add stiffness, then the reliability against de-latching is improved, but the weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The striker apparatus changes its physical state from rigid to deformable under impact conditions. The deformable portion is designed to yield plastically when subjected to impact forces, absorbing energy and reducing peak acceleration transmitted to the latching mechanism. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliability without requiring additional stiffening components that would increase weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of impact forces into a beneficial outcome by allowing the deformable striker portion to undergo controlled deformation. This deformation absorbs the harmful kinetic energy from rear impacts, converting it into plastic work, thereby protecting the latching system from de-latching without requiring heavier reinforcement.
2Force
If the striker apparatus is made deformable, then the peak acceleration is reduced, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The striker apparatus employs local quality by having different portions with different mechanical properties. The deformable portion is designed with reduced cross-section or specific geometry to be more compliant, while other portions maintain full strength. This localized differentiation allows the system to reduce peak forces where needed without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable striker portion acts as a pre-designed cushioning element that activates before the impact force can be transmitted to the latching mechanism. By anticipating potential impact scenarios, the design incorporates this energy-absorbing feature in advance, protecting the weaker latching components from high-g acceleration events.
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
The deformable striker apparatus effectively reduces the chance of de-latching by extending force duration and reducing peak acceleration, allowing both tailgates to translate together during impacts without opening, thus securing luggage and maintaining structural integrity without adding weight.
Implementation Method 1
the striker apparatus is configured to deform to enable the displaceable portion to displace relative to the rigid portion while remaining connected to the rigid portion
Implementation Method 2
If the high-g acceleration overcomes the inertia of a lightweight latching mechanism, the latching mechanism may move in a way that de-latches the striker apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A striker apparatus (40) for a latching system (12) of a vehicle (10), the latching system configured to secure a tailgate (30) of the vehicle, wherein the striker apparatus comprises:a displaceable portion (41) to which a striker (43) is connected; anda rigid portion (42) connected to the displaceable portion (41),wherein the striker apparatus (40) is configured to deform to enable the displaceable portion (41) to displace relative to the rigid portion (42) while remaining connected to the rigid portion (42), as a result of one of the striker apparatus (40) or a latch apparatus (50) of the latching system (12) being translated in a vehicle-inboard direction relative to the other of the striker apparatus (40) or the latch apparatus (50) while the striker (43) is latched to the latch apparatus (50).