Powered Tailgate Assembly with Intelligent Loading Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle tailgate systems lack intelligent management to balance protection of goods and user convenience during loading/unloading, often requiring manual operation and lacking automated features to prevent theft or accidental opening during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A powered tailgate assembly with a controller that identifies active loading conditions, moves the tailgate to a neutral loading position, and automatically adjusts between fully closed and open positions based on user activity and vehicle operation, using sensors to determine position and user presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate is left open during vehicle operation, then user convenience for loading/unloading is improved, but vehicle security and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively closes the tailgate before vehicle operation begins by detecting conditions such as gear shift away from park, door closure, or key removal. This preliminary action prevents the harmful state of an open tailgate during vehicle operation, resolving the contradiction by automatically securing the vehicle while maintaining user convenience during actual loading/unloading activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle state parameters (gear position, door status, key presence) and uses this feedback to automatically control tailgate position. When feedback indicates vehicle operation is imminent, the controller automatically closes the tailgate, eliminating the need for manual user action while preventing security risks.
2Device complexity
If the tailgate is manually operated throughout, then system simplicity is maintained, but user convenience during active loading is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate system serves itself by automatically detecting loading conditions through sensor inputs and autonomously opening or closing the tailgate without requiring manual user intervention. The controller monitors sensor data and actuates the tailgate motor as needed, enabling the system to manage its own operation while improving loading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect loading conditions and send signals to a controller, which then actuates a motor to move the tailgate. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with sensor-controller-motor automation improves convenience while maintaining acceptable system complexity through integration with existing vehicle electronics.
3Ease of operation
If the tailgate remains fully open during loading, then access to cargo box is maximized, but protection of goods is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate dynamically adjusts its position based on real-time loading conditions rather than remaining statically open or closed. During active loading, the tailgate opens to provide access. When loading completes or vehicle operation is imminent, the system automatically transitions the tailgate to a closed position, dynamically adapting to changing conditions to balance access needs with security requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle, such as a pickup truck, including a powered tailgate assembly and a corresponding method of using the same. An exemplary motor vehicle includes a powered tailgate assembly having a tailgate moveable between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The tailgate is also moveable to a neutral loading position near the fully open position. Further, the motor vehicle includes a controller configured to identify the onset of an active loading condition when the tailgate moves from the neutral loading position toward the fully open position.