Tailgate Opening Apparatus Damping Overshoot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opening apparatuses for motor vehicle tailgates often result in overshooting during the opening process, as they lack effective damping mechanisms to control the upward movement.
Innovation Solution
A compression spring element is integrated between the functional housing and the actuating piston of the opener, with a silicone brake and freewheel mechanism that provides damping during opening and decouples during closing, preventing overshooting and allowing smooth closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a compression spring is used to provide opening force for the tailgate, then the tailgate can be opened automatically, but the tailgate overshoots the opening position due to excessive acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
A silicone brake is introduced as an intermediary damping element between the compression spring and the tailgate. The silicone brake absorbs excess energy and controls the opening speed, preventing overshooting while maintaining automatic opening functionality. The compression spring still provides the opening force, but the silicone brake mediates the energy transfer to achieve controlled movement.
2Manufacturing precision
If a damping mechanism is added to suppress overshooting, then opening position accuracy improves, but the closing movement is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The silicone brake is designed with direction-dependent damping characteristics. During opening movement, the silicone brake engages to provide damping and control the tailgate speed. During closing movement, the silicone brake decouples or reduces damping to allow free movement. This dynamic behavior is achieved through the geometric design of the silicone brake elements that engage differently based on the direction of force application.
3Manufacturing precision
If rotational damping elements are used to control tailgate movement, then overshooting is suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The silicone brake combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides rotational damping to control opening speed, acts as a freewheel to allow free closing movement, and integrates directly with the existing compression spring mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate damping mechanisms and simplifies the overall structure compared to using distinct rotational and linear dampers.
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
The solution effectively suppresses overshooting of the tailgate during opening while ensuring free movement during closure, ensuring the tailgate comes to a controlled stop at the end of the opening stroke without impeding the closing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a gearwheel (8) of a silicone brake (9) ... so that the silicone brake acts as a damping means in the opening direction of the tailgate
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring element (4) is arranged between the functional housing (3) and an actuating piston (6) of an opener so that the compression spring is prestressed in the closed position of the tailgate
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate of a motor vehicle has an opening apparatus configured to avoid overshooting during opening of the tailgate. The opening apparatus is connected to a silicone damper to bring about a damping action in the opening direction and a freewheeling action in the closing direction. Additionally, the opening apparatus is configured so that closing of the tailgate and lock actuation are not impeded.