Motor Spring Tailgate Drive Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive arrangements for motorized tailgates in motor vehicles face challenges in reliably detecting error conditions, particularly when a motor-operated drive unit breaks away, as this is often not accompanied by a compensating movement that can be easily detected by the control system.
Innovation Solution
A drive arrangement that combines a motor and spring-operated drive unit with a purely spring-operated drive unit, where a movement sensor detects deviations from normal signals to identify error conditions, allowing the drive unit controller to initiate an error routine, and this setup can be realized with either a spindle drive unit or a gas pressure spring, enabling reliable detection without costly signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor and spring-operated drive unit is used together with a purely spring-operated drive unit, then the ability to detect error conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a motor and spring-operated drive unit with a purely spring-operated drive unit to create a redundant system. The first drive unit (motor and spring-operated) and second drive unit (purely spring-operated) work together such that if one fails, the other can compensate, improving reliability while the movement sensor detects the failure condition
Solution Approach 2:
A movement sensor is integrated into the first drive unit to monitor the movement between its drive connections. The drive unit controller receives sensor signals and compares them against expected movement patterns, providing feedback that enables automatic detection of error conditions such as breakaway events
2Reliability
If a movement sensor is integrated into the motor and spring-operated drive unit, then error condition detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first drive unit is configured to be non-self-locking with respect to its drive connections, allowing it to detect errors autonomously through its integrated movement sensor without requiring additional external monitoring systems. The sensor monitors the drive connections' movement and the controller autonomously determines error conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical error detection mechanisms with an electronic movement sensor and controller system. Instead of using mechanical switches or complex linkages to detect errors, a movement sensor electronically monitors drive connection positions, simplifying the mechanical structure while improving detection reliability
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 ensures reliable detection of error conditions by utilizing the compensating movements caused by both drive units, reducing the risk of unexpected tailgate drops and allowing for efficient motorized movement between closed and open positions with enhanced safety features.
Implementation Method 1
a first drive unit (3, 4) which is motor and spring-operated and has a drive unit motor (5) as well as a drive unit spring (6), each acting on the two drive connections (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) associated with the first drive unit (3, 4)
Implementation Method 2
the first drive unit (3, 4) comprises a movement sensor (7) for generating a sensor signal (S), representing movement information regarding a movement between the drive connections (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) of the first drive unit (3, 4)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a drive arrangement for movement of a tailgate, wherein at least one drive unit is provided, having two drive connections, wherein a first drive unit is motor and spring-operated and has a drive unit motor as well as a drive unit spring, respectively acting on the two drive connections associated with the first drive unit, wherein the first drive unit comprises a movement sensor, representing movement information regarding a movement between the drive connections, wherein a second drive unit is spring-operated and has a drive unit spring, acting on the two drive connections associated with the second drive unit, wherein a drive unit controller is provided, which detects a predetermined deviation of the sensor signal of the movement sensor from a predetermined normal signal corresponding to the normal condition as an error condition and upon detecting an error condition carries out an error routine.