Power Tailgate Overload Detection via Latch Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tailgate systems in vehicles fail to detect overloading, leading to potential damage when automatically opening overloaded tailgates, as users may unknowingly request opening while the tailgate is overloaded with cargo.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an overload checking mechanism using a latch actuator to determine if the tailgate is overloaded by moving the latch from a full-latching position to an over-stroking position and analyzing the over-stroking load, thereby denying automatic opening requests and alerting the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power tailgate system automatically opens the tailgate without overload detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs an overload detection test before automatically opening the tailgate. The latch actuator attempts to move the latch from its engaged position, and if excessive force is detected during this preliminary action, the system prevents automatic opening to avoid damage from overloading.
2Measurement precision
If the latch actuator is operated to over-stroke the latch for overload detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch actuator serves dual purposes: it both latches the tailgate and performs overload detection. By utilizing the existing latch actuator mechanism to attempt moving the latch and measuring the resulting force, the system achieves overload detection without adding separate detection hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods for operating a power tailgate system include overload checking a tailgate latched by a latch that is in a full-latching position, connected with a latch actuator, and activated by the latch actuator for non-revertible movement in a latching direction. Overload checking the tailgate includes operating the latch actuator to over-stroke the latch, identifying an over-stroking load on the latch actuator, and based on the over-stroking load on the latch actuator, determining whether the tailgate is overloaded or not overloaded. Over-stroking the latch includes moving the latch in the latching direction from the full-latching position to an over-stroking position, and the over-stroking load on the latch actuator is associated with its operation to over-stroke the latch.