Electromagnetic Tailgate Damper for Heavy Tailgate Packaging Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dampers for heavy tailgates in vehicles are limited in size and capacity due to packaging constraints, hindering the opening of tailgates with increased weight from additional features.

Innovation Solution

A damper assembly using a rotor and magnet arrangement that generates an eddy current to dampen the rotational movement of the tailgate, with the magnet being activated only when the tailgate is moved from the closed to the open position, counteracting the weight and providing damping effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional damper assemblies are used to damp heavy tailgates, then the tailgate can be opened, but the damper size and capacity are limited due to packaging space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping capacityVSAvoidpackaging space

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical dampers (gas struts, torsion bars, springs) with an electromagnetic damping system consisting of a magnet and conductor. The magnet is mounted to the vehicle body while the conductor is mounted to the tailgate, creating eddy currents that provide damping force without requiring large mechanical components. This substitution enables heavy tailgates to be effectively damped within limited packaging space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If the magnet is always active, then maximum damping force is provided, but energy is continuously consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping forceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is activated only during specific phases of tailgate operation - specifically when the tailgate is being opened or closed. The control system monitors tailgate position and activates the magnet only when needed to provide damping force, rather than keeping it continuously active. This periodic activation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective damping during critical motion phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Effectively damps the pivotal movement of heavy tailgates, ensuring smooth operation and reducing the mechanical load on the damper assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet arranged adjacent to the rotor for generating an eddy current to damp rotation of the hinge pin and thereby damp pivotal movement of the tailgate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentUS20250382836A1Electro-magnetic damper for manual operated tailgate

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A damper assembly for a tailgate on a vehicle includes a tailgate and a hinge pin rotatably connecting the tailgate to a vehicle body for pivotal movement between a closed position and an open position. The damper assembly additionally includes a rotor rotatably connected to the hinge pin so as to rotate together with the hinge pin, and a magnet arranged adjacent to the rotor for generating an eddy current to damp rotation of the hinge pin and thereby damp pivotal movement of the tailgate.