Powered Tailgate Removal Assembly Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered tailgate systems for vehicles require manual intervention to remove the tailgate, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient, especially when automated mechanisms are in place.
Innovation Solution
A removal assembly that includes a lock mechanism allowing the powered tailgate to be rotated between locked and unlocked positions, enabling easy removal by aligning a slot on the cup with the drive rod support, allowing radial movement and decoupling of the tailgate from the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lock mechanism is added to the powered tailgate system to enable automated removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to automatically transition between locked and unlocked positions based on the tailgate's movement state. The system self-regulates the locking state through the interaction between the cup, flange, and slot without requiring external control signals or manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping the control system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through the rotational movement of the cup. The flange and slot arrangement allows the cup to rotate and align the slot with the drive rod support, enabling automatic unlocking during tailgate removal operations.
2Extent of automation
If the lock mechanism uses a cup with slot and flange arrangement for automated unlocking, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the cup that rotates, the flange that extends from the tailgate, and the slot that provides the unlocking path. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve automated unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup acts as an intermediary element between the tailgate and the drive rod support. It mediates the unlocking process by rotating to align its slot with the drive rod support, allowing the drive rod to move radially and decouple the tailgate without direct mechanical intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the cup is made pivotably mounted to the vehicle body structure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the locking mechanism may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is designed with pivotable mounting that allows controlled rotational movement between locked and unlocked positions. The dynamic pivoting capability enables the cup to rotate smoothly during tailgate operation while maintaining reliable locking when in the locked position through proper alignment with the drive rod support.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary removal assembly includes, among other things, a lock that rotates together with a powered tailgate when the powered tailgate is coupled to a vehicle in a coupled position and moved back-and-forth between an open and a closed position. The lock is rotatable between a locked position that blocks movement of the powered tailgate from the coupled position, and an unlocked position that permits removal of the powered tailgate. An exemplary removal method includes, among other things, moving a powered tailgate that is coupled to a vehicle in a coupled position. The moving transitions a lock from a locked position to an unlocked position. The lock in the locked position blocks movement of the powered tailgate from the coupled position. The lock in the unlocked position permitting removal of the powered tailgate.