Single Motor Tailgate Latch with Cinching Lever Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tailgate systems require two drive motors for opening and closing, leading to increased volume and difficulty in positioning within a vehicle body, and users may overlook incomplete closure due to lack of feedback.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate opening and closing device using a single drive motor with a cinching-integrated power latch structure, featuring a main gear, claw, lever assembly, and detectors to ensure complete engagement and disengagement, and emergency handle for bidirectional operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two drive motors are disposed to transmit power in separate directions for closing and opening of the tailgate, then the tailgate can be opened and closed reliably, but the volume increases excessively and positioning within the vehicle body becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate drive motors into a single drive motor that can transmit power in both directions. The single drive motor integrates the opening and closing functions that were previously handled by two separate motors, thereby reducing the overall volume of the drive system while maintaining reliable operation in both directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive motor is designed to perform multiple functions - it can transmit power in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions to handle both tailgate closing and opening operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate motors for each direction, reducing volume while maintaining reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If a single drive motor is used for both opening and closing operations, then the volume and weight are reduced, but the complexity of controlling bidirectional operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever assembly acts as an intermediary mechanical transmission system that converts the single drive motor's rotation into bidirectional motion of the claw. The lever assembly with its multiple levers (first lever, second lever, third lever) and links provides a mechanical means to achieve complex bidirectional control without requiring complex electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a mechanical lever assembly to replace what would otherwise require a complex electronic control system for bidirectional operation. The mechanical linkage system automatically manages the direction of force transmission, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining the ability to open and close the tailgate reliably.
3Device complexity
If conventional latch mechanisms are used without cinching function, then the structure is simpler, but complete engagement and detection of tailgate closure cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is integrated into the latch mechanism to provide feedback on the engagement status of the tailgate. When the claw fully engages with the striker, the detector detects this state and can signal the control system, ensuring that complete closure is confirmed. This feedback mechanism enhances reliability without adding excessive complexity to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cinching function performs a preliminary checking action before final locking. The lever assembly includes a cinching phase that ensures the tailgate is fully engaged with the vehicle body before the latch completes its locking operation. This preliminary action prevents incomplete closure from being locked, enhancing safety and reliability.
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
Reduces the number of components, cost, and weight, enhances product quality by achieving complete tailgate closure and opening with reduced power loss and bidirectional functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A worm gear may be provided at the drive motor to rotate the main gear during driving of the drive motor.
Implementation Method 2
A first elastic member may be disposed at the rotation shaft of the release lever to always urge the release lever toward the claw.
Implementation Method 3
A second elastic member may be disposed at the rotation shaft of the claw to always urge the claw toward the first insertion hole.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate opening and closing device for a vehicle may include a main gear disposed at a base, to be driven by a drive motor, and a lever assembly having a plurality of links operated by the main gear, for locking or unlocking of a striker by a claw.