Rear Gate Ramp Deployment Using Living-Being Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack an efficient method to automatically control the operation of closure panels based on the presence and identity of living beings, particularly in determining the appropriate position and movement of support features like ramps for safe ingress and egress.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a sensing system using radar sensors and imagers to detect and authenticate living beings, determining their position and size, and a controller that operates the rear gate assembly and support features, such as ramps, to facilitate safe access by moving them between retracted and deployed positions based on the authenticated identity and position of the living being.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support feature is deployed further vehicle-downward to facilitate safe ingress and egress for living beings, then safety and accessibility are improved, but the device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support feature is deployed in advance before the living being needs to access the vehicle. The sensing system detects the presence and identity of the living being, and the controller automatically positions the support feature (ramp) at the appropriate downward extension position before the living being attempts to enter or exit, ensuring safety without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the critical access moment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the living being's own presence detection and authenticated identity to trigger the support feature deployment. The sensing system and controller work together to automatically determine when and how to position the ramp based on detecting the living being's approach and characteristics, eliminating the need for manual operation or complex external control mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the closure panel is operated to pivot vehicle-downward for access, then accessibility is improved, but the risk of injury from uncontrolled movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system continuously monitors the presence, identity, and position of the living being relative to the closure panel and support feature. This feedback information is fed to the controller, which adjusts the closure panel and support feature movement in real-time based on the living being's location and authenticated identity, ensuring the panel moves at safe speeds and stops at appropriate positions to prevent injury while maintaining accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system authenticates the living being's identity and determines their position before initiating closure panel movement. The controller pre-plans the movement trajectory and speed based on the authenticated identity and detected position, ensuring the panel pivots vehicle-downward in a controlled manner that prevents injury while facilitating access
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
Enables safe and convenient access for living beings by automatically adjusting the position of closure panels and support features, enhancing safety and user experience by ensuring appropriate access configurations based on the detected presence and identity of living beings.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing system includes at least one radar sensor coupled to the top gate panel, wherein the controller determines the position of the living being based on data received from the at least one radar sensor
Implementation Method 2
The sensing system includes an imager coupled to the rear gate assembly, wherein the controller authenticates the identity of the living being based on data received from the imager
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes a rear gate assembly of the vehicle that includes a closure panel operable to pivot vehicle-downward from a closed position to an open position. The system also includes a support feature coupled to the closure panel and operable to move relative to the closure panel between a retracted position and a deployed position. In the open position of the closure panel, the position of the support feature in the deployed position is further vehicle-downward than the position of the support feature in the retracted position. The system also includes a sensing system of the vehicle that detects a living being proximate to the rear gate assembly. The system further includes a controller that authenticates an identity and determines a position of the living being based on data received from the sensing system and prompts movement of the support feature from the retracted position to the deployed position based on the authenticated identity and determined position of the living being.