Tailgate Safety Zone Expansion for Automatic Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users experience apprehension during automatic trunk closing due to the immediate triggering of the closing operation, which can result in a feeling of risk when they are near the detection zone, leading to an uncomfortable user experience and potential abandonment of the automatic closing function.
Innovation Solution
Defining a wider safety zone with a varying thickness safety contour that surrounds the conventional detection zone, ensuring the automatic closing of the tailgate is only initiated when no elements are detected within this expanded area, thereby eliminating the risk of impact and enhancing user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detection zone is limited to the projection of the tailgate on the ground, then the automatic closing function can be triggered when the user is outside this zone, but the user experiences apprehension when the tailgate passes close to their body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the detection zone beyond the two-dimensional projection of the tailgate on the ground by adding a safety contour that creates a three-dimensional safety volume. This safety contour is defined by offset distances (e.g., 50 cm) from the tailgate edges, forming an expanded detection zone that accounts for the user's personal space and reduces apprehension during automatic closing operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the safety zone is expanded with a safety contour, then user apprehension is reduced, but the detection zone becomes larger requiring more extensive sensor coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The safety contour is not uniformly applied but is defined with varying offset distances from different parts of the tailgate. The contour extends 50 cm from the rear edge, 30 cm from the side edges, and 20 cm from the hinge area, creating a non-uniform safety zone that provides enhanced protection where needed while minimizing unnecessary detection zone expansion in areas where users are less likely to be positioned.
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 reduces user apprehension by ensuring the tailgate is only closed when the user is safely outside the defined safety zone, providing a more comfortable and reliable automatic closing experience.
Implementation Method 1
it is possible to use ultrasonic sensors which are arranged at the level of the rear bumper of the vehicle, and which are usually used to perform a parking assistance function. Such sensors make it possible to obtain precise information on the distance between an element present behind the vehicle and the rear of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The method involves defining a safety area (201) matched to a projection i.e. detection area (200), of a opening frame i.e. tailgate type boot, at a tailgate shaped ground increased from a safety contour (202), and determining whether a tailgate type boot closure hindering element to be present in the safety area. The frame is closed when the element is not detected in the safety area, and the projection of the frame at the ground presents a central edge (203) matched to a projection of a horizontal edge of the frame in a closed position.