Vehicle Tailgate Closure Using Presence Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic tailgate closure systems fail to detect individuals in shadow zones, leading to potential collisions when the tailgate closes, as sensors used for presence detection have blind spots or shadow zones where obstacles, including people, are not detected.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method that conditions the tailgate closure operation on detecting the presence of an individual in the detection zone and their subsequent departure from this zone, using a combination of sensors including cameras and ultrasound sensors, with countdowns to ensure safety and prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If immediate closure operation is triggered by button pressure, then tailgate closes quickly, but user safety is compromised due to lack of detection time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection actions before closure by monitoring the detection zone for a predetermined time period (e.g., 5-10 seconds) to ensure no user is present. This advance checking prevents unsafe closure operations while maintaining quick response when the zone is clear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the detection zone and uses this feedback to control the closure operation. The monitoring process provides real-time information about user presence, allowing the system to delay or cancel closure based on detected conditions, thus ensuring safety without significantly delaying normal operation.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect elements in detection zone, then presence detection is enabled, but shadow zones remain where detection fails
Solution Approach 1:
The detection zone is segmented into multiple sub-zones with different sensor types and detection principles. This segmentation allows each sensor to optimize for its specific coverage area, with ultrasound sensors covering certain zones and other sensors covering shadow zones, collectively providing complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a multi-functional sensor arrangement where different sensors serve multiple detection purposes. Sensors are positioned and configured to detect both direct presence and shadow zone presence, with the system capable of handling various detection scenarios through a unified control approach that accommodates different sensor capabilities.
3Reliability
If impact detectors are added to stop tailgate movement, then collision prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on impact detectors to stop collisions after they begin, the system performs preliminary detection of potential collisions by monitoring the detection zone before closure occurs. This advance detection prevents collisions before they happen, eliminating the need for complex impact detection and stopping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the collision prevention function from the closure operation itself by using separate detection sensors that independently monitor for user presence. This separation allows the closure system to operate independently while safety is ensured through parallel detection, reducing overall system complexity compared to integrated impact detection systems.
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
Prevents tailgate collisions by ensuring individuals have moved out of the detection zone before initiating closure, effectively addressing the issue of shadow zones and enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
it is possible to use ultrasound sensors that are positioned at the level of the rear bumper of the vehicle, and that are normally used to perform a parking aid function
Implementation Method 2
it is the same membrane 101 that is used to emit and to receive the emitted wave
Implementation Method 3
it is possible to use systems based on cameras and image processing algorithms to detect the presence of such an element and estimate the distance at which it is located
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a secure method for automatically closing a motor vehicle tailgate (200) fitted with at least one presence sensor (201; 202; 203; 204) of an element in a detection zone (206), the said detection zone having at least one shadow zone (207; 208; 209; 210), characterized in that it comprises the step consisting in making the automatic operation of closing the vehicle tailgate conditional upon the completion of the following various operations: —detecting (301) the presence of an element in the detection zone; —detecting (304) a departure of the said element from the detection zone.