Split Tailgate Lower Lid Actuation Using a Bowden Cable

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic closure and opening mechanisms for split tailgates in cars lack an efficient method to move the lower lid, which limits design flexibility and increases weight due to the need for mechanical reinforcements.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus utilizing a Bowden cable and a drive unit to indirectly move the lower lid of a split tailgate through a mechanical interface connected to the hinge, allowing for flexible positioning of the drive unit and eliminating the need for mechanical reinforcements on the lid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a direct mechanical connection is used to move the lower lid, then the moving force is transmitted directly to the lid, but the lid requires mechanical reinforcements increasing its weight and reducing design flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmission to lower lidVSAvoidweight of lower lid

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Bowden cable as an intermediary element to transmit the driving force to the lower lid. The cable connects the drive unit to the mechanical interface, which in turn connects to the hinge of the lower lid. This intermediary transmission mechanism allows force to be applied without directly attaching heavy reinforcement structures to the lid itself, thus reducing the lid's weight while maintaining effective force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces a direct rigid mechanical connection with a cable-based mechanical transmission system. The Bowden cable provides a flexible alternative to rigid linkages, allowing the drive unit to be positioned independently from the lower lid while still transmitting the necessary driving force through the mechanical interface and hinge connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the drive unit is positioned close to the lower lid for direct actuation, then the connection is rigid, but the design flexibility and packaging options are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection rigidityVSAvoiddrive unit positioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a Bowden cable, which is a flexible mechanical transmission element, to connect the drive unit to the lower lid assembly. This flexible cable connection allows the drive unit to be positioned at various locations within the vehicle structure without compromising the mechanical linkage, thereby significantly increasing design flexibility and packaging options compared to rigid direct connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If mechanical reinforcements are added to the lower lid for direct actuation, then the lid can handle the driving forces, but the overall weight increases and packaging space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of lower lidVSAvoidpackaging space

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By using the Bowden cable and mechanical interface as intermediaries, the patent transfers the driving force away from the lower lid structure. The mechanical interface connects to the hinge, allowing the driving forces to be handled by the hinge and cable assembly rather than requiring reinforcement of the lid itself. This preserves the lid's original lightweight construction and packaging space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12330485B2Apparatus for moving a lower lid of a split tailgate in a car

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 VOLVO CAR CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for moving a lower lid of a split tailgate in a car, including: a Bowden cable; a drive unit configured to drive the Bowden cable; and a mechanical interface configured to be connected with an end portion of the Bowden cable and with the lower lid of the split tailgate of the car; the mechanical interface including a structural element configured to be connected with a hinge of the lower lid of the split tailgate.