Dual-Train Tailgate Drive with Asymmetric Sensor Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle adjustment drives, such as electromotively operated tailgates, face challenges in accurately determining the position and speed of adjustable parts, leading to potential mechanical overload and increased production costs due to the need for multiple sensors and complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with a first and second drive train, each with a variable-length actuation part driven by an electric motor, where the first drive train has at least one sensor for position detection and the second drive train has at most one sensor, allowing for synchronous operation and reduced production costs by using fewer sensors and standard electric motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two Hall sensors are used in each electric motor for accurate position detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function between two drive trains: the first drive train uses at least one sensor for position detection, while the second drive train uses at most one sensor. This segmentation reduces the total sensor count while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for synchronous operation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor in the first drive train serves multiple functions: it detects position for both drive trains, enables synchronous operation control, and provides reference for the second drive train's operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors in both drive trains.
2Power
If two electric motors are used to pivot the tailgate, then power distribution is improved, but device complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects the rotational position of the first drive train, and this information is fed back to the control device. The control device uses this feedback to determine the rotational position of the second drive train and adjust its operation accordingly, enabling automatic synchronization without complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for both electric motors are merged into a single control device that processes sensor data from the first drive train and generates coordinated control signals for both motors. This unified control approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining precise synchronization.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard electric motors with reduced functionality are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses at least one sensor in the first drive train and at most one sensor in the second drive train, rather than requiring full sensor suites in both motors. This partial sensing approach provides sufficient information for synchronous operation while using simpler, more cost-effective motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that processes the limited sensor data from the first drive train and generates the necessary control signals for both motors. This intermediary function compensates for the reduced sensing capability, enabling standard motors to achieve the required performance.
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
This solution enables accurate determination of the position and speed of adjustable parts while reducing production costs and mechanical load, ensuring precise control and extended service life through synchronized operation and anti-pinch protection.
Implementation Method 1
the first drive train has at least one sensor for detecting a position of a rotating part of the first drive train
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment drive of a motor vehicle, in particular for an electromotively operated tailgate, having an adjustable part. A drive unit has a first drive train and a second drive train. Each drive train has a variable-length actuation part attached to the adjustable part. The actuation part is driven by an electric motor of the respective drive train. The first drive train has at least one sensor for detection of a position of a rotating part, and the second drive train has no more than one sensor for detection of a position of a rotating part. We also describe a drive unit of an adjustment drive of a motor vehicle.