Power Tailgate Actuator and Spring Counterbalance Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operation of pick-up truck tailgates can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when removing them, as they often require tools and can be heavy or difficult to handle safely.
Innovation Solution
A power tailgate system incorporating an actuator for moving the tailgate between open and closed positions, a spring for counter-balancing the weight, and a coupler assembly that allows for secure attachment and quick removal, facilitated by an electronic controller and actuator arm assembly, enabling remote operation and easy disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of tailgate is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to heavy weight and difficulty in safe handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual tailgate system with an automated power tailgate system that uses an actuator (electric motor or other power source) to automatically open and close the tailgate. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated mechanical/electrical operation directly resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity through the addition of the actuator mechanism.
2Productivity
If tailgate removal is facilitated with tools, then ease of operation improves, but loss of time increases due to cumbersome and time-consuming removal process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tailgate as a separate, removable component from the vehicle body through a simplified quick-release mechanism. The coupler assembly allows the tailgate to be easily detached and reattached without requiring tools or complex procedures, enabling rapid removal and installation that improves productivity while minimizing time loss compared to traditional tool-based removal methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tailgate is made removable for additional functionality, then adaptability improves, but reliability deteriorates due to potential insecure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling system where the coupler assembly can transition between locked and unlocked states. The coupler includes movable components (such as a sliding bolt or latch mechanism) that securely lock the tailgate in the attached position during normal operation, then can be easily released when removal is needed. This dynamic design maintains reliability during use while enabling adaptability when needed.
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
The power tailgate system simplifies the operation and removal of tailgates by automating the opening and closing process, reducing manual effort and time required for removal, while ensuring secure attachment and detachment, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring spaced apart from the actuator for counter-balancing a weight of the tailgate
Data Source
AI summary
A power tailgate system for a vehicle includes an actuator for moving a tailgate of the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The power tailgate system also includes a spring spaced apart from the actuator for counter-balancing a weight of the tailgate and a coupler assembly for removably coupling the tailgate to the power tailgate system.