Power Tailgate Opening Control Based on User Height Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicles with multiple users, adjusting the tailgate opening amount based on individual heights is inconvenient, especially when a large height difference exists among users, as current methods require manual settings through a user menu each time.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method using a rear camera to estimate the user's height by analyzing semantic segmentation images, detecting the target opening angle, and automatically adjusting the tailgate opening amount to accommodate the user's height, thereby eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the tailgate opening amount is manually adjusted through a user setting menu, then the opening amount can be customized for each user, but it becomes inconvenient and time-consuming when multiple users with different heights share the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjusting tailgate opening amountVSAvoidtime required for manual adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects user height using a rear camera and autonomously adjusts the tailgate opening amount without requiring manual intervention. The camera captures images of the user, the processor analyzes the user's height from these images, and the tailgate opening amount is automatically set based on the detected height, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring user configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment process through the user setting menu is replaced with an automated optical detection and control system. The rear camera captures user images, the processor analyzes height information from these images, and electronically controls the tailgate opening amount, substituting the mechanical manual adjustment process with an automated sensing and control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tailgate opening amount is fixed based on a tall user's height, then the setting is suitable for tall users, but short users experience inconvenience in pressing the closing button

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different user heightsVSAvoidease of pressing closing button

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate opening amount transitions from a fixed static setting to a dynamic value that automatically adapts to each user's height. The system continuously detects user height through camera imaging and dynamically adjusts the opening amount in real-time, allowing the opening amount to change flexibly according to different users rather than remaining fixed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The opening amount parameter is changed automatically based on detected user height parameters. The system measures the user's height from camera images, processes this height information, and adjusts the opening amount parameter accordingly, enabling the parameter to adapt to different users without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12139957B2Apparatus and method of opening and closing tail gate of vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.11.12 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention estimates a height of a user by using a rear camera to automatically adjust the opening amount of a tailgate, so as to increase the convenience of an electrically-powered tailgate.