Single Motor Tailgate System with Differential Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic tailgate systems are difficult to maintain, prone to leaks and oil freezing issues, while electric tailgate systems with multiple motors are costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

A single motor-driven double push rod electric vehicle tailgate system that uses a beam assembly, follow-up plate, lifting arm, and a lifting power assembly with a motor, first and second lifting push rods, and a transmission mechanism to synchronously open and close the tailgate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic systems are used for tailgate lifting, then lifting function is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases and reliability decreases due to leaks and oil freezing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic system with an electric push rod system. The electric push rod uses an electric motor to drive a screw mechanism, converting rotational motion into linear motion for lifting the tailgate. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid, seals, and hoses, thereby eliminating leak issues and freezing problems while improving reliability and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple motors are used in electric tailgate systems, then lifting function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the driving functions of multiple motors into a single electric motor. The single motor drives a differential mechanism that distributes power to two push rods, enabling synchronized lifting of the tailgate. This merging reduces the number of motors from two to one, thereby reducing mechanical complexity, manufacturing cost, and control system requirements while maintaining reliable lifting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple motors are used in electric tailgate systems, then lifting function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple motor functions into a single motor with a differential mechanism. This reduces the bill of materials by eliminating one motor, one control unit, and associated wiring harnesses. The single motor design also simplifies assembly operations and reduces testing requirements, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining the reliable lifting function through the differential power distribution mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces mechanical complexity, manufacturing costs, and control system requirements, while enhancing synchronization and consistency in tailgate movement, and providing a reliable and efficient solution for electric vehicle tailgate operations.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting power assembly includes a motor, a first lifting push rod, a second lifting push rod, and a transmission mechanism coupled to the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The transmission mechanism includes at least one connecting shaft rotatably coupled to the motor, enabling synchronous extension and retraction of the first and second lifting push rods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 3

The top end of the follow-up plate is hinged to the beam assembly, while its middle portion is hinged to the lower end of the lifting arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS12305440B1Single motor-driven double push rod electric vehicle tailgate system
Publication Date: 2025.05.20 NINGBO POWERNICE INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD
  • US12305440B1 patent drawing
  • US12305440B1 patent drawing
  • US12305440B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electric vehicle tailgate system includes a beam assembly fixed on a vehicle, a follow-up plate, a lifting arm, and a lifting power assembly. The lifting power assembly includes a motor, a first lifting push rod, a second lifting push rod, and a transmission mechanism coupled to the motor. The follow-up plate is hinged at its top end to the beam assembly, at its middle to the lower end of the lifting arm, and at its bottom end to the bottom end of either lifting push rod. The retractable ends of the lifting push rods are hinged to the middle-lower end of the lifting arm. The transmission mechanism includes at least one connecting shaft rotatably coupled to the motor, enabling synchronous extension and retraction of the lifting push rods. This configuration drives the lifting arm to open or close the tailgate efficiently, enhancing synchronization and reducing mechanical complexity.