Tailgate Latch Actuator Merging Cinching and Release Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate opening and closing systems require separate actuators for cinching and releasing, leading to increased manufacturing costs, size, and weight due to a complex gear structure, which is not suitable for the limited space between the tailgate and inner trim.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus using a single motor to operate a planetary gear device with a cinching/release lever, connecting cinching and release cables to selectively lock or unlock the tailgate, reducing the number of components and improving usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuators are used for cinching and releasing the tailgate, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators (cinching actuator and release actuator) into a single integrated actuator. The cinching lever and release lever are merged into one component that can selectively engage either the cinching cable or release cable based on the direction of force applied to the manipulation lever, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both cinch the tailgate (by engaging the cinching cable) and release the tailgate (by engaging the release cable). The manipulation lever serves as a universal control that directs force to different cables based on the desired operation, making the actuator system multi-functional
2Reliability
If a separate cinching actuator is provided, then the safety of tailgate locking is improved, but the weight of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the cinching actuator and release actuator into a single integrated unit with shared components (housing, manipulation lever, cables), the total weight of the actuator system is reduced compared to having two separate actuators, while still maintaining the safety function through the cinching mechanism
3Force
If separate actuators with increased gear ratio are used, then the output force is improved, but the size of the actuator increases beyond available space
Solution Approach 1:
The merged actuator design allows for a more efficient use of space by consolidating gear structures and shared components. The single actuator can achieve the required output force through optimized gear arrangement without the redundant space required by two separate actuators, fitting within the limited space between the tailgate and inner trim
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs, weight, and size by integrating the cinching and release functions into a single actuator, enhancing convenience and efficiency in opening and closing the tailgate.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear device (30), a motor (31) which operates the planetary gear device (30), and a worm gear (32) which is provided on an output shaft of the motor (31)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for opening and closing a tailgate for a vehicle includes a latch device provided in the tailgate and an actuator. The latch device includes a claw to engage with a striker provided at a vehicle body side, a pawl to engage with the claw to maintain the claw in a locked position, and an unlocking lever to operate the pawl to unlock the claw. The actuator includes a cinching/release lever to selectively operate a cinching cable connected to the claw to rotate the claw from an unlocked position to the locked position, and a release cable connected to the unlocking lever to operate the claw from the locked position to the unlocked position.