Motorized Tailgate Holding Mode for Manual Closure Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle tailgates lack secure closure mechanisms, particularly in modern vehicles without handles, leading to risks of jamming and false lock signals affecting systems like theft warnings and tail lamp functions, and existing solutions are complex or costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a control unit that activates a holding mode by detecting a predetermined actuation sequence and manual closing movement, short-circuiting the motor to secure the tailgate, accompanied by visual and auditory feedback, and allowing manual override.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the tailgate lock is used as the only fastening point in modern vehicles without handles, then the structure is simplified, but the risk of jamming and false lock signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the actuator with actuating element) between the user's closing action and the lock system. This intermediary detects the manual closing movement through the actuating element and triggers the actuator to activate the lock, providing a buffer that prevents direct contact between closing aids and the lock, thereby reducing jamming risk while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the actuator to detect the state of the actuating element and automatically activate the lock when manual closing is detected. This feedback mechanism ensures that the lock is activated only when properly closed, preventing false lock signals while maintaining reliability without requiring handles.
2Ease of operation
If manual closing aids (bicycle cords, ties) are used to secure the tailgate, then the tailgate can be secured against reopening, but the risk of jamming the lock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves as an intermediary that detects manual closing movements through the actuating element. This allows users to secure the tailgate with closing aids while the actuator mediates between these aids and the lock system, triggering the lock only when proper closing is detected, thereby preventing jamming while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical interaction between closing aids and the lock with an electrical/detector-based system. The actuator with its actuating element detects the closing state and triggers the lock electrically, substituting the mechanical coupling that causes jamming with a sensor-based activation system.
3Reliability
If the actuating element is actuated for a predetermined period or sequence, then the holding mode can be activated to secure the tailgate, but the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary action by detecting a predetermined actuation sequence or duration before activating holding mode. This preliminary detection ensures that the user intentionally initiates the closing sequence, preventing accidental activation while maintaining ease of operation through a simple, predictable pattern recognition system.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator automatically detects the actuation sequence and activates the lock without requiring additional user input or complex manual operations. The system serves itself by interpreting the actuation pattern and automatically triggering the appropriate response, simplifying the overall operation while ensuring reliable closure security.
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
Provides a cost-effective and user-friendly solution to secure tailgate closure, reducing risks of jamming and false lock signals while enhancing customer convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit ascertains whether the actuating element is actuated for a predetermined period of time or by a predetermined actuation sequence and at the same time a manual closing movement of the tailgate is effected
Implementation Method 2
the motor is short-circuited in the holding mode
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for operating a motor-actuatable tailgate of a motor vehicle, the motor of which can be activated or deactivated controlledly by actuation of an actuating element of an operating element, a control unit ascertains whether the actuating element is actuated for a predetermined period of time or by a predetermined actuation sequence and at the same time a manual closing movement of the tailgate is effected. If so, a holding mode is activated on reaching the tailgate position at which the actuating element is no longer actuated, wherein the motor is short-circuited in the holding mode.