Dual Tailgate Latch Control With Shared Half-Bridge Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems with dual tailgate closures face challenges in efficiently controlling multiple latches due to increased complexity and component requirements for powered adjustments, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A drive arrangement system with interconnected motors and MOSFETs forms a half-bridge connection to control the rotational direction of multiple latches, allowing simultaneous cinch and rewind operations, and includes a controller to manage latch operations based on current measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent motors are used to control each latch in a dual tailgate system, then each latch can be controlled independently, but the component count and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch control motors into a single integrated motor unit that can simultaneously control multiple latches through shared mechanical linkages and control circuits. This merging approach reduces the total number of motors while maintaining the ability to independently control each latch position, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with a universal motor and control circuit that can perform multiple functions - controlling different latches at different positions and times. The single motor unit is capable of independently actuating upper and lower latches on both left and right sides, providing multi-functional capability without requiring separate dedicated motors for each latch.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional control components are added to enable powered adjustment of two tailgate enclosures, then flexibility of use increases, but cost and parts quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple latches into a single integrated control circuit and motor assembly. By combining the drive mechanisms and control electronics, the system achieves powered adjustment capability for dual enclosures while minimizing the quantity of parts required, directly addressing the cost and parts quantity concern.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system employs a universal motor and controller that can independently manage multiple latches across both tailgate enclosures. This multi-functional design allows the system to provide flexible powered adjustment for various enclosure configurations without requiring separate control components for each latch, thereby reducing overall parts quantity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating each of the latches in the drive arrangement provided with three latch motors interconnected by four half-bridges. The method includes the steps of determining whether a predetermined period is passed to control each of the motors, determining whether a second predetermined period is passed to control each of the motors after the first predetermined period is passed, measuring current in each of the motors for actuation when the first and second predetermined periods are each passed, determining whether the measured current is less than a predetermined threshold value, and operating each of the motors to perform a cinch operation of each of the latches when the measured current is less than the predetermined threshold value.