Vehicle Tail Gate Auto-Open Control Using Dual-Sensing Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tail gate systems for vehicles automatically open when a user with a smart key approaches within a fixed distance, leading to unintended openings, potential collisions with loads or surroundings, and damage when parked in garages.
Innovation Solution
A control system that primarily senses a user's intention to open the tail gate at a shorter distance and secondarily confirms if the smart key is at a predetermined distance from the tail gate to prevent interference and damage, using a distance sensing unit and authentication receiving unit to control the auto-opening operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sensing distance is fixed at about 1.0 m, then the tail gate can be automatically opened when the user approaches, but the tail gate may collide with loads or surroundings causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing distance is divided into multiple segments: a first sensing distance (about 1.0 m) for initial detection and a second sensing distance (greater than 1.0 m) for final confirmation. This segmentation allows the system to progressively determine user intent while ensuring safe opening distance, preventing collision with loads or surroundings.
2Ease of operation
If the tail gate opens automatically when the user approaches within 1.0 m, then convenience is improved, but unintended openings occur when the user does not intend to open the tail gate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sensing at the first distance (about 1.0 m) to detect user approach, then continues sensing at the second distance (greater than 1.0 m) to confirm opening intent. This preliminary action sequence ensures that automatic opening only occurs when the user genuinely intends to open the tail gate, preventing unintended activations.
3Extent of automation
If the tail gate is automatically opened when the user is at 1.0 m distance in a garage, then the auto opening function works, but the tail gate may collide with the garage shutter causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing distance is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adapts the sensing distance based on environmental context: using the second distance (greater than 1.0 m) in garage environments to prevent collision with shutters, while maintaining the first distance (about 1.0 m) in open environments. This dynamic adjustment preserves automation while preventing damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for opening a tail gate for a vehicle capable of performing an auto opening operation of the tail gate includes steps of primarily sensing an intention of a user carrying a smart key to open the tail gate and then performing secondary sensing to confirm whether a distance between the smart key and the tail gate is equal to or more than a predetermined distance. Thus, any damage or interference of the tail gate may be prevented.