Power Tailgate Speed Control Based on User Proximity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
When a power tail gate on a vehicle is automatically opened or closed, there is a risk of the user coming into contact with the gate due to unpredictable opening and closing speeds, which can lead to safety concerns, especially if other individuals are present behind the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect the user's location and motion using ultra-wideband communication and sensors, adjusting the opening and closing speeds of the power tail gate based on the distance and presence of the user, and optionally displaying the speed through visual and audible cues, ensuring safer operation by controlling the gate's speed according to the user's proximity and motion, and considering the presence of others behind the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the power tail gate opens or closes automatically at high speed, then the operation efficiency is improved, but the safety risk increases due to potential user contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tail gate speed variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the opening/closing speed based on real-time detection of user position and motion state. When a user is detected in close proximity or moving rapidly toward the vehicle, the system automatically reduces the tail gate speed to prevent contact, thereby resolving the contradiction between high-speed operation efficiency and safety risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that continuously monitor user position and motion characteristics, then feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and adjusts the motor-driven tail gate speed accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain high speed when safe while automatically slowing down when user contact risk is detected, thus resolving the efficiency-safety contradiction
2Device complexity
If the power tail gate opens or closes at fixed speed, then the control simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different user situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the tail gate system to automatically detect user presence and adjust its own operating speed without requiring manual user input or complex external control. The sensor system and control unit work autonomously to monitor user position and motion, then self-adjust the motor speed to appropriate levels, maintaining control simplicity while achieving high adaptability to different user situations
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
This solution effectively prevents user contact with the power tail gate by dynamically controlling its speed based on user proximity and motion, enhancing safety and convenience by ensuring appropriate operation speeds, even when others are present behind the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a location of a user around the vehicle through an ultra-wideband communication between the vehicle and the ultra-wideband communicator carried by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling method of a vehicle includes: detecting a location of a user around the vehicle in response to receiving opening closing signals for opening and closing a power tail gate of the vehicle, respectively; and controlling opening and closing speeds of the power tail gate according to a distance between the vehicle and the user when opening and closing the power tail gate, respectively, in response to receiving the respective opening and closing signals of the power tail gate.