Tailgate Removal Detection via Camera Connector Alarm Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load carrying vehicles with fold-down tailgates are susceptible to theft, as the tailgates and rear-mounted cameras can be easily removed and stolen, necessitating a system to detect unauthorized tailgate removal.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit connected to a rear-mounted video camera via a releasable connector, which provides signals when the tailgate is in place, and activates an alarm when the connector opens, indicating the tailgate has been removed, with optional door lock state verification before alerting the vehicle alarm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tailgate assembly is made easily removable for loading/unloading operations, then ease of operation is improved, but security against theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm system is pre-configured with the tailgate assembly and connector before any removal event occurs. The electronic control unit continuously monitors the connector state, and the alarm is primed to activate immediately upon detection of connector opening, providing preliminary security readiness without impeding normal tailgate operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring through the alarm circuit connected to the connector. When the tailgate assembly is removed, the connector opens and the electronic control unit detects this state change, triggering feedback that activates the alarm to alert the operator of the unauthorized removal
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an alarm system is integrated with the tailgate assembly and connector, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection for the rear-mounted video camera and simultaneously acts as the alarm circuit trigger mechanism. The alarm circuit is integrated into the existing connector structure, allowing a single component to fulfill both imaging and security functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm system is merged with the existing tailgate assembly and connector infrastructure. The electronic control unit leverages the same connector that connects the video camera, combining security monitoring with the existing imaging system rather than implementing a separate standalone alarm system
3Reliability
If the alarm system continuously monitors the connector state, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit monitors the alarm circuit in a periodic or event-driven manner rather than maintaining continuous active monitoring. The system checks the connector state at appropriate intervals or upon triggering events, maintaining reliable detection capability while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a cabin and a vehicle body including a cargo area rearward of the cabin. A tailgate assembly is mounted to the vehicle body that closes the cargo area. The tailgate assembly includes a rear-mounted video camera. An electronic control unit receives image data from the rear-mounted video camera. A connector communicatively couples the electronic control unit and the rear-mounted video camera. The connector has a closed configuration with the tailgate assembly mounted to the vehicle body and an open configuration with the tailgate assembly removed from the vehicle body. The electronic control unit includes logic that, wherein executed by a processor, causes the electronic control unit to receive signals from an alarm circuit when the connector is in the closed configuration and detect when the signals from the alarm circuit have stopped when the connector is in the open configuration.