Vehicle Tailgate Locking System Synchronous Independent Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate locking systems in vehicles lack user-selectable options for synchronizing or independent locking with cabin doors, limiting flexibility in securing both the passenger cabin and cargo bed, and often require laborious manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with a lock controller that allows users to select between synchronous and independent operating modes for tailgate and cabin door locking mechanisms, enabling user-selectable power locking of the tailgate based on preferences through a user interface, and utilizing sensors to adjust security settings based on cargo bed cover positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tailgate locking system is synchronized with cabin door locks, then security for both cabin and cargo bed is improved, but flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate when only cabin security is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system dynamically switches between two operating modes: synchronized mode (when cargo bed cover is closed) and independent mode (when cargo bed cover is open). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide both high security and operational flexibility depending on the actual usage scenario, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the locking parameter configuration based on the cargo bed cover position. When the cover is closed, the system enables synchronized locking with cabin doors for maximum security. When the cover is open, the system switches to independent locking mode, allowing the tailgate to remain unlocked even when cabin doors are locked, thus providing flexibility for loading/unloading operations.
2Device complexity
If manual locking operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but labor effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system performs automatic locking operations without requiring manual intervention. The lock controller automatically synchronizes the tailgate locking with cabin door locking when in synchronized mode, or independently locks/unlocks the tailgate based on cargo bed cover position and user preferences. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming manual locking process while maintaining system simplicity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with an automated power locking system controlled by a lock controller. The system uses sensors to detect cargo bed cover position and automatically activates the appropriate locking mode, substituting the need for manual key operation or physical manipulation of locking mechanisms with an automated electromechanical system.
3Ease of operation
If the tailgate is locked independently from cabin doors, then ease of access to cargo bed is improved, but security when cargo bed cover is closed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its locking behavior based on the cargo bed cover position. When the cover is open, the system allows independent tailgate locking for easy access during loading/unloading. When the cover is closed, the system automatically switches to synchronized locking mode, ensuring the tailgate is locked along with the cabin doors to maintain security. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between accessibility and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock controller receives feedback from sensors that detect the cargo bed cover position and automatically adjusts the locking mode accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system provides independent locking capability when needed for accessibility, while automatically enforcing synchronized locking when the cargo bed cover is closed to maintain security, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of access and security.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system for use with a vehicle that has cabin doors and a tailgate. The locking system includes a first locking mechanism associated with the cabin doors, and a second locking mechanism associated with the tailgate, wherein the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are selectively lockable and unlockable. A lock controller is in communication with the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism. The lock controller is operable in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. When in the first operating mode, the lock controller is configured to selectively lock and unlock the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism synchronously. When in the second operating mode, the lock controller is configured to lock and unlock the first locking mechanism independently of the second locking mechanism.