Power Tailgate Control System Bounce Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle tailgates, especially those that are removable, can accidentally detach due to bouncing while driving over bumps, leading to potential damage or loss, and existing power tailgates that prevent this often compromise usability by securing the tailgate too tightly for removal.
Innovation Solution
A power tailgate system with sensors and a motor assembly that detects movement and bounce severity, restraining the tailgate and returning it to an open position to prevent accidental detachment while allowing for easy manual removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tailgate is securely fastened to the vehicle to prevent bounce detachment, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transitions from a static secure/fasten state to a dynamic state where the tailgate can be easily removed when needed. The system adapts between two modes: a securely fastened state during normal operation that prevents bounce detachment, and a removable state when manual removal is required, allowing the same mechanism to serve both reliability and ease of operation needs
2Ease of operation
If the tailgate is made removable to facilitate backing up to loading platforms, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates preliminary anti-action by designing the fastening system to automatically engage and secure the tailgate before bouncing can occur. The mechanical features create an initial secure state that actively prevents the tailgate from reaching the removal angle during vehicle motion, countering the potential harmful effect of bouncing before it can cause detachment
3Reliability
If sensors and control systems are added to detect and restrain tailgate bounce, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex electronic control and sensor mechanisms with a purely mechanical hinge design that passively prevents bounce detachment. The mechanical features of the hinge itself provide the restraint function, eliminating the need for additional sensors, processors, and active control systems, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing device complexity
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 system effectively reduces the risk of accidental detachment during driving while maintaining the ease of tailgate removal, ensuring both safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a motor assembly connected to the tailgate and configured to cause the tailgate to move between the closed position and the open position
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors configured to detect movement of the tailgate
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of operating a power tailgate assembly for a vehicle. The system can detect that a tailgate, connected to the vehicle by a pivotal connection and having an open position and a closed position, is in the open position, detect that the vehicle is being driven, detect, by one or more sensors, a movement of the tailgate, and control a motor assembly to restrain movement of the tailgate and return the tailgate to the open position in response to detecting that the tailgate is in the open position, the vehicle is being driven, and the tailgate has moved more than a threshold amount.