Motor Vehicle Tailgate Disassembly Detection for Safe Powered Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle tailgates, especially in pickup trucks, lack efficient and safe mechanisms for operation and disassembly, which can lead to increased complexity and safety risks during loading, unloading, and transportation of goods, as well as hinder access to trailer hitches and other vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an electric motor to pivot the tailgate, with an anti-trap protection system and force detection mechanism to prevent accidental operation when the tailgate is disassembled, ensuring safety and convenience by inhibiting the electric motor when the tailgate is partially detached, and allowing manual adjustment for complete disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tailgate is made removable for transporting long goods, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be attached to close the cargo area, detached to transport long goods, and the electric motor provides automated operation in both states. The control unit universally manages both attached and detached states through a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate manual operation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the tailgate state through force detection and operational feedback. When the tailgate is detached, the control unit detects the abnormal force values or lack of mechanical resistance during motor operation, automatically inhibiting further motor activation to prevent damage or safety hazards.
2Ease of operation
If the electric motor is used to pivot the tailgate automatically, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety risk increases when the tailgate is detached
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements preliminary anti-action by proactively inhibiting the electric motor when detachment is detected, before any harmful action can occur. The system detects the detached state through force sensors or abnormal motor current patterns and immediately prevents motor activation, thereby eliminating the safety risk before it can manifest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor-driven system that includes automated detection and control. The control unit substitutes human judgment with electronic sensors and algorithms that continuously monitor tailgate attachment status and automatically adjust motor operation accordingly, improving both ease of operation and safety.
3Reliability
If the tailgate is kept attached for safety, then the safety is improved, but the productivity decreases when transporting long goods
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate system transitions from a static attached state to a dynamic configuration where it can be detached. The electric motor and control unit enable the tailgate to adapt its state based on transportation needs, allowing the vehicle to maintain safety during normal operation and efficiently transport long goods when required by changing the tailgate's attachment status.
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
Enhances safety and operational flexibility by preventing accidental trapping and allowing for the transportation of various goods without the need for manual tailgate operation, while ensuring accurate detection of the disassembled state to prevent injury or damage.
Implementation Method 1
The tailgate is driven by means of an electric motor so that when the electric motor is energized, the tailgate is pivoted
Implementation Method 2
A method utilizing an electric motor to pivot the tailgate, with an anti-trap protection system and force detection mechanism to prevent accidental operation when the tailgate is disassembled
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a tailgate of a motor vehicle, in particular a pickup, which is driven by means of an electric motor and delimits a cargo area. A disassembled state is detected, and energization of the electric motor is inhibited. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle.