Power Tailgate Electrical Braking for Movement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tailgate systems in vehicles face the risk of damage due to excessive movement of tailgates during driving events, particularly when the tailgates are left unchecked, leading to bouncing, jolts, and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A power tailgate system that includes a motor connected to the tailgate and a motor circuit, which initiates an electrical brake upon the start of a driving event to check the tailgate against movement, regardless of whether it is moving or not, thereby preventing excessive movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate is left unclosed during driving events, then the tailgate can remain in open or partially-open positions for loading/unloading, but the tailgate becomes susceptible to excessive movement including bouncing, jolts, and vibration that may damage the power tailgate system
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively checks the tailgate against movement upon initiation of a driving event, irrespective of whether the tailgate is moving or not moving. This preliminary action prevents excessive movement before it can occur, rather than reacting after damage has been caused.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical checking mechanisms with an electrical braking system. The motor circuit is operated to electrically brake the motor, providing a more responsive and reliable method to check the tailgate against movement compared to mechanical alternatives.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the latches are deactivated to allow tailgate movement for loading/unloading, then the tailgate can be freely positioned, but the tailgate is no longer held fast against movement and becomes vulnerable to excessive movement during driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical braking mechanism that operates between the latch actuator and the tailgate. This intermediary system provides continuous checking against movement even when the latches are deactivated, bridging the gap between latch release and potential excessive movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors tailgate position and movement status, and based on this feedback, operates the motor circuit to provide appropriate braking force. This feedback mechanism ensures the tailgate remains checked against excessive movement while allowing legitimate positioning adjustments.
3Reliability
If the power tailgate system continuously checks the tailgate against movement using electrical braking, then damage from excessive movement is prevented, but additional energy is consumed by the motor circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies electrical braking periodically or in discrete intervals rather than continuously, particularly upon initiation of driving events. This periodic action maintains protection against excessive movement while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous braking.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical braking is applied with appropriate force only when necessary to check the tailgate against movement, rather than maximum continuous braking. This partial action provides sufficient protection while minimizing energy consumption.
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 effectively prevents damage to the power tailgate system and its components by proactively checking the tailgate's movement during driving events, eliminating the need for reaction time and ensuring the tailgate remains stable.
Implementation Method 1
checking the tailgate against movement during the driving event, wherein checking the tailgate against movement includes operating the motor circuit to electrically brake the motor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods for operating a power tailgate system involve a vehicle that includes a tailgate, a motor connected with the tailgate for interdependent movement, and a motor circuit for the motor. The embodiments include, upon the initiation of a driving event in the vehicle, identifying that the tailgate is unclosed. The embodiments further include, in response to identifying that the tailgate is unclosed, upon the initiation of the driving event, irrespective of whether the tailgate is moving or not moving, checking the tailgate against movement during the driving event, wherein checking the tailgate against movement includes operating the motor circuit to electrically brake the motor.