Power Tailgate Latch Overload Detection via Over-Stroke Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tailgate systems fail to detect overload conditions on tailgates before automatically opening, potentially causing damage to the tailgate or cargo when an overload is present.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a latch actuator and processor to check for an overload condition by attempting to move the latch to an over-stroke position upon a tailgate opening command, and if unsuccessful within a predetermined time, revert to a fully-latched position to prevent opening, ensuring the tailgate is not overloaded before releasing the latch.
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 opening an overloaded tailgate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs an overload detection check before executing the automatic opening command. The latch actuator attempts to move the latch to an over-stroke position as a preliminary action to detect if the tailgate is overloaded, and only if this check passes does the system proceed with the opening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the latch actuator's ability to move the latch to the over-stroke position. Based on whether the latch reaches the expected position within a predetermined time period, the system determines the tailgate load status and adjusts its opening command accordingly.
2Reliability
If the system adds an overload detection check before opening, then the reliability is improved, but the time required for opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a partial movement of the latch to an over-stroke position rather than a full opening movement. This partial action is sufficient to detect overload conditions without completing the full opening sequence, thereby minimizing the time penalty while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
If the overload detection check passes (latch reaches over-stroke position within the time period), the system quickly proceeds with the opening operation without additional delays. The predetermined time period is set to be short enough that the overall opening time remains acceptable when no overload is present.
3Measurement precision
If the latch actuator moves the latch to an over-stroke position for overload detection, then the measurement precision of overload detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch actuator serves dual purposes: it both opens the tailgate and performs the overload detection check. The same actuator mechanism is used for both the opening function and the detection function, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: normal opening operation and overload detection. By making the latch actuator universal, the system achieves precise overload detection without adding dedicated detection components, thereby maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a vehicle power tailgate includes a latch structured to be movable to a latching position when the latch is engaged with a portion of a tailgate so as to maintain the tailgate in a closed position associated with the latching position of the latch. A latch actuator operably connected to the latch to control operation of the latch. A memory is communicably coupled to the processor and stores a tailgate control module including instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to, responsive to receipt of a tailgate opening command, control operation of the latch actuator to attempt move the latch to an over-stroke position of the latch and, responsive to a failure to move the latch to the over-stroke position within a predetermined time period, control operation of the latch actuator to move the latch to a fully-latched position of the latch.