Tailgate Power Strut Torque Control for Closing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle tailgate automatic closing systems experience twisting due to uneven torques, leading to an offset between closing mechanism elements, which prevents proper engagement, increases wear, and risks the tailgate springing back during closure.
Innovation Solution
A device and method featuring a suspension strut and a power strut on opposite sides of the tailgate, with a controller that reduces the torque applied by the power strut when the distance between closing elements is below a threshold, balancing the torques to prevent twisting and ensure proper closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a single power strut is used on one side of the tailgate with a suspension strut on the other side, then the automatic closing function is achieved, but the tailgate experiences twisting due to uneven torques causing offset between closing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically changes the torque parameter of the power strut during the closing process. By reducing the torque output of the power strut as the tailgate approaches the closed position, the system balances the torques on both sides of the tailgate, preventing twisting and ensuring proper alignment of the closing elements without requiring mechanical modifications to the strut arrangement.
2Force
If the power strut applies high torque during closing, then the closing force is sufficient, but the tailgate may spring back or the closing mechanism experiences excessive wear and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static torque application to a dynamic torque control approach. The controller continuously adjusts the power strut's torque output based on the tailgate's position and closing progress. This dynamic adjustment ensures sufficient closing force is applied when needed while reducing torque near the end of the closing stroke, preventing tailgate springing back and minimizing wear on the closing mechanism components.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing process is divided into distinct phases with different torque characteristics. The controller applies higher torque during the initial and middle stages of closing to overcome friction and gravity, then transitions to reduced torque in the final approach stage. This periodic variation in torque application optimizes both closing effectiveness and mechanism durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for automatically closing a tailgate of a motor vehicle having a body and a tailgate closing device, is described. The tailgate closing device comprises first and second closing elements. A suspension strut is situated on a first side of the tailgate and a power strut is situated on a second side of the tailgate opposite the first side. The suspension strut and the power strut are both connected to the tailgate and to the body. The first closing element is situated on the tailgate and the second closing element is situated on the body. The first and second closing elements are designed to engage into each other during the closing of the tailgate to effectuate the closure of the tailgate. The torque acting via the power strut onto the tailgate is reduced during the closing of the tailgate when the distance between the first and second closing elements is less than a threshold value.