Power Tailgate Load Detection for Controlled Opening Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tailgates on vehicles, such as pickup trucks, may be damaged due to excessive opening speed caused by external loads when the user initiates the opening command without being able to visually inspect the cargo bed, leading to potential damage to the tailgate and other system components.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a motor and a processor with a tailgate control module, which determines the presence and magnitude of external loads on the tailgate. If the load is below a threshold, the tailgate opens at a slower speed; if the load is above the threshold, it remains closed to prevent damage, and if no external load is detected, it opens at a normal speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the tailgate opens at high speed to improve productivity, then the opening operation is faster, but the tailgate and system components may be damaged due to external loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the tailgate opening speed based on real-time detection of external loads. When a load is detected, the system automatically reduces the opening speed to prevent damage, and when no load is present, it restores normal opening speed for efficient operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor external loads on the tailgate and provide feedback to the control module. Based on this feedback, the control module adjusts the motor-driven actuator's operation to either reduce speed or prevent opening entirely when loads are detected, thereby protecting the system while maintaining productivity when safe.
2Ease of operation
If the user initiates opening command without visual inspection to improve ease of operation, then the operation is more convenient, but the user cannot detect external loads that may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-inspection by automatically detecting external loads on the tailgate through sensors before and during the opening operation. This eliminates the need for the user to visually inspect the cargo bed, as the system independently assesses safety conditions and adjusts its operation accordingly, maintaining both convenience and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual visual inspection mechanism with electronic sensors and automated control. Instead of relying on the user's visual detection capability, the system uses load sensors to detect external forces and electronically controls the opening process, substituting mechanical human inspection with automated sensing and control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a system for controlling a vehicle power tailgate are described. The system includes a motor operably connectible to a tailgate and configured to open the tailgate at any of at least a first opening speed and a second opening speed lower than the first opening speed. The system is operable to, responsive to a determination that an external load is being applied to the tailgate when the tailgate is in a closed condition, control operation of the motor to open the tailgate at the second predetermined tailgate opening speed if an estimated magnitude of the load is below a predetermined threshold load.