Hands-free Liftgate Sensor Bracket with Flexible Hooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hands-free liftgate sensor installations in vehicles are inefficient and costly, often requiring a trade-off with other accessories like tow hitches, resulting in vehicles being equipped with either a kick sensor or a tow hitch but not both.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket with rearward and forward flexible hooks and channels is designed to securely attach a hands-free liftgate sensor to a vehicle's rear fascia member, allowing for both sensor and tow hitch compatibility by using a single mounting system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a kick sensor is installed using conventional methods, then the sensor is mounted, but the installation is inefficient and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is pre-formed with multiple sensor cutouts and attachment features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field installation procedures, allowing the sensor to be simply inserted into the pre-formed cutout and secured with fasteners, significantly improving installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the kick sensor, offers attachment points for the rear fascia, accommodates the tow hitch assembly, and includes wiring access features. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components and installation steps.
2Reliability
If a mounting bracket with sensor cutout is used, then the kick sensor is retained, but the bracket must be removed for tow hitch installation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a permanent bracket structure and a separate tow hitch assembly. The bracket remains installed on the vehicle providing continuous sensor retention, while the tow hitch can be independently attached and detached through the bracket's central opening without removing the bracket itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket incorporates dynamic features including flexible tabs that can deflect to accommodate the passage of the tow hitch receiver, and removable fasteners that allow temporary disassembly for wiring access while maintaining permanent sensor mounting. This dynamic design enables both sensor retention and tow hitch installation to coexist.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective installation of hands-free liftgate sensors while maintaining compatibility with tow hitch assemblies, allowing vehicles to have both features without compromise.
Implementation Method 1
a bracket body having a plurality of rearward flexible hooks and a plurality of forward flexible hooks
Data Source
AI summary
A hands-free liftgate sensor for a vehicle includes a mounting bracket connected to a rear fascia member. The mounting bracket includes a bracket body having a plurality of rearward and forward flexible hooks. A rearward laterally extending channel is disposed in the mounting bracket. The plurality of rearward flexible hooks are opposite the rearward laterally extending channel. The rearward laterally extending channel is substantially laterally centered on the rear fascia member. A forward laterally extending channel is disposed in the mounting bracket. The plurality of forward flexible hooks are opposite the forward laterally extending channel. The forward laterally extending channel is substantially laterally centered on the rear fascia member. A plurality of first fasteners secure a rearward portion of the mounting bracket to the rear fascia member. A plurality of second fasteners secure a forward portion of the mounting bracket to the rear fascia member.