Actuation Device for Hinged Tailgate Reducing Adjustment Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-part hinged vehicle tailgate mechanisms take up to 2 seconds to fully open, with inefficiencies in the mechanism's adjustment from the first to the second position due to the use of a shim and lack of interaction with the guide surface during this transition.
Innovation Solution
The locking disc's hook-shaped shank with a recess in the upper part and a locking plate with a constriction guide surface replace the traditional guide surface, allowing direct interaction and eliminating the need for a shim, enabling faster transition from the first to the second position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a shim is used in the mechanism adjustment from the first position to the second position, then the mechanism can be adjusted, but the adjustment time increases by up to 2 seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The shim is completely removed from the mechanism. The guide surface is relocated from the locking disc to the locking plate, eliminating the need for the shim and reducing adjustment time by up to 2 seconds while simplifying the overall mechanism structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surface on the locking plate serves as an intermediary element that enables direct interaction between the driver and the locking mechanism during position adjustment, replacing the previous shim-based intermediary system and reducing adjustment time.
2Ease of operation
If the guide surface is arranged on the locking disc according to the prior art, then the mechanism can be guided during adjustment, but an intermediate layer (shim) is required which increases adjustment time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the guide surface on the locking disc as in the prior art, the guide surface is inverted and placed on the locking plate. This reversal eliminates the need for the shim and allows the driver to interact directly with the guide surface, reducing adjustment time while maintaining guidance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim (intermediate layer) is extracted and removed from the mechanism. The guide surface on the locking plate provides direct guidance during adjustment without requiring the shim, thereby reducing adjustment time while preserving the guidance function.
3Loss of time
If the driver does not interact with the guide surface during adjustment from the first to the second position, then the mechanism can adjust, but the adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surface on the locking plate acts as an intermediary that enables direct interaction between the driver and the locking mechanism during position adjustment. This direct interaction eliminates the need for a shim and reduces adjustment time by up to 2 seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surface is pre-positioned on the locking plate in a location that allows the driver to interact with it directly during adjustment from the first to the second position. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for additional components like the shim and reduces adjustment time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Actuating device (112) for a two-part fold-up vehicle tailgate comprising a locking disk (125) pivotably arranged on the support and a locking plate (128) with a recess (139), into which the towing arm (120) impinges at least in part; when the locking disk (125) is moved with the towing arm (120) from the first to the second position, the towing arm (120) is arranged on the inner side of the leg (225). In its upper area (227), the locking plate (128) comprises a guide surface (228) designed as a constriction of the end of the upper area (227). During movement of the locking disk (125) with the towing arm (120) from the first to the second position, the towing arm (120) cooperates with the guide surface (228).