Photoelectric Tailgate Obstacle Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tailgate systems fail to detect objects within the moving path of a powered tailgate before contact, leading to potential damage as the tailgate attempts to open, as strain gauges and pinch sensors only react after contact is made.
Innovation Solution
A power tailgate detection system featuring a sensing system with emitters and receivers on the exterior surface of the tailgate that emit and detect radiation to identify objects in the moving path, coupled with a control unit that prevents the tailgate from opening if an object is detected, using a photoelectric sensor and imaging device to assess potential damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges and pinch sensors are used to detect objects, then object detection during tailgate closing is improved, but detection of objects in the moving path during opening is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectric sensing system performs preliminary detection of objects in the tailgate's moving path before the tailgate begins to open. The emitter and receiver are positioned to create a detection zone that scans the area where the tailgate will travel, allowing the control unit to identify potential obstacles and prevent opening before contact occurs, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection capability and operational safety
2Measurement precision
If torque sensors are used to detect contact during opening, then post-contact detection is improved, but prevention of damage prior to contact is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectric sensing system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting objects in the tailgate's moving path and preventing the opening operation before contact can occur. The control unit monitors the detection zone and inhibits motor operation when an object is detected, thereby preventing the harmful effect of tailgate damage before it can happen, rather than merely responding after torque sensors detect contact
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a photoelectric sensing system is added to detect objects in the moving path, then prevention of tailgate damage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectric sensing system acts as an intermediary between the tailgate motor and the potential obstacle. The emitter and receiver create an optical field that serves as a mediator to detect objects before physical contact occurs. The control unit processes the optical signal and intermediates the opening operation by enabling or disabling motor operation based on detection results, thereby preventing damage while adding only moderate complexity through a standardized sensing mechanism
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 prevents damage to the tailgate by detecting objects in its path and halting its opening motion before contact, ensuring safe operation and reducing risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one emitter positioned to emit radiation in a direction parallel to the exterior surface of the tailgate, and at least one receiver positioned to receive the radiation emitted by the at least one emitter
Implementation Method 2
A sensing system is disposed on an exterior surface of the tailgate. The sensing system includes at least one emitter positioned to emit radiation in a direction parallel to the exterior surface of the tailgate, and at least one receiver positioned to receive the radiation emitted by the at least one emitter
Data Source
AI summary
A power tailgate detection system is provided including a vehicle, a sensing system, and a control unit. The vehicle includes a bumper and a tailgate moveable between a closed position and an open position. The sensing system is disposed on an exterior surface of the tailgate and includes at least one emitter and at least one receiver. The emitter is positioned to emit radiation in a direction parallel to the exterior surface of the tailgate. The receiver is positioned to receive the radiation emitted by the emitter. The control unit is configured to control operation of the tailgate between to prohibit movement of the tailgate toward the open position when an object interferes with the radiation.