greggertruck
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NEWS: An international Tesla patent filing for a Cybertruck power tailgate mechanism was published today. The patent states it could be operated via a smart phone or wireless key fob.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0055] Generally described, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to power systems for opening and closing hinged closure panels, particularly the tailgate of a vehicle. Power tailgates often require complex systems involving a plurality of expensive components (e.g., sensors, mechanical and computer components). Further, known power systems can be bulky which can limit the ability to efficiently and compactly package the system within the vehicle.
[0056] Embodiments disclosed herein can provide advantages over such power systems. For example, in certain embodiments, the power system can significantly reduce the number of required components. This reduction of components can significantly reduce the supply-chain overhead, installation time, and cost. The system can have an improved reliability due to, for example, the reduction in components. A power system can be advantageous in overcoming adverse weather conditions such as when an ice bridge forms between the tailgate and the truck bed. Certain embodiments of the power system disclosed herein can break the ice bridge formed between the tailgate and the truck bed. For example, the user can simply activate an actuator of the power system to free a tailgate that is frozen to the truck bed.
[0057] In certain embodiments, the power system can ease assembly with the vehicle. For example, in certain embodiments, the actuator of the system can comprise a plurality of sockets while the vehicle and the crank arm each comprise a ball configured to be disposed in one of the plurality of sockets to ease assembly.
[0058] The actuator can be mounted to the vehicle in many different arrangements and configurations. For example, in certain embodiments, the actuator can be mounted vertically. In other embodiments, the actuator can be mounted horizontally. In still other embodiments, the actuator can be mounted at any angle between a horizontal mounting and a vertical mounting.
[0059] In certain embodiments, the power system can have a lower mass and lower cost than known power systems. A lower mass is advantageous since it improves, for example, a vehicle’s range. The characteristics of the system (e.g., size, weight, pressure, materials, etc.) disclosed herein are only exemplary and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0060] In certain embodiments, the power system is hidden between panels of the vehicle (e.g., tailgate, body) resulting essentially in an invisible integration with the vehicle. For example, the vehicle can comprise an outer panel, an interior panel, and an inner space between the outer panel and the interior panel. The actuator can be mounted in the inner space. For example, the tailgate can comprise an outer panel, an interior panel, and an inner space between the outer panel and the interior panel. A counterweight member can be mounted in the inner space.
[0061] In certain embodiments, the system employs a torsion spring in combination with a compact, low power, low mass actuator. In certain embodiments, the system employs a torsion rod in combination with the compact, low power, low mass actuator. Of course, the disclosure is not limited to employing a torsion spring and/or torsion rod as the counterweight member.
[0062] While the power system disclosed herein is described in the context of opening and closing a tailgate of a truck or SUV, the invention is not so limited. Embodiments of the system described herein can be employed in the place of any power system or linkage that is intended to open or close a hinged panel. For example, the system can be employed as part of a vehicle storage compartment mounted in the truck bed (e.g., a truck bed storage drawer or box) or as part of a cargo-hauling system dimensioned to fit within the bed of the truck. Of course, the system is not limited to use with trucks or SUVs and can be employed with any type of vehicle.”
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0055] Generally described, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to power systems for opening and closing hinged closure panels, particularly the tailgate of a vehicle. Power tailgates often require complex systems involving a plurality of expensive components (e.g., sensors, mechanical and computer components). Further, known power systems can be bulky which can limit the ability to efficiently and compactly package the system within the vehicle.
[0056] Embodiments disclosed herein can provide advantages over such power systems. For example, in certain embodiments, the power system can significantly reduce the number of required components. This reduction of components can significantly reduce the supply-chain overhead, installation time, and cost. The system can have an improved reliability due to, for example, the reduction in components. A power system can be advantageous in overcoming adverse weather conditions such as when an ice bridge forms between the tailgate and the truck bed. Certain embodiments of the power system disclosed herein can break the ice bridge formed between the tailgate and the truck bed. For example, the user can simply activate an actuator of the power system to free a tailgate that is frozen to the truck bed.
[0057] In certain embodiments, the power system can ease assembly with the vehicle. For example, in certain embodiments, the actuator of the system can comprise a plurality of sockets while the vehicle and the crank arm each comprise a ball configured to be disposed in one of the plurality of sockets to ease assembly.
[0058] The actuator can be mounted to the vehicle in many different arrangements and configurations. For example, in certain embodiments, the actuator can be mounted vertically. In other embodiments, the actuator can be mounted horizontally. In still other embodiments, the actuator can be mounted at any angle between a horizontal mounting and a vertical mounting.
[0059] In certain embodiments, the power system can have a lower mass and lower cost than known power systems. A lower mass is advantageous since it improves, for example, a vehicle’s range. The characteristics of the system (e.g., size, weight, pressure, materials, etc.) disclosed herein are only exemplary and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0060] In certain embodiments, the power system is hidden between panels of the vehicle (e.g., tailgate, body) resulting essentially in an invisible integration with the vehicle. For example, the vehicle can comprise an outer panel, an interior panel, and an inner space between the outer panel and the interior panel. The actuator can be mounted in the inner space. For example, the tailgate can comprise an outer panel, an interior panel, and an inner space between the outer panel and the interior panel. A counterweight member can be mounted in the inner space.
[0061] In certain embodiments, the system employs a torsion spring in combination with a compact, low power, low mass actuator. In certain embodiments, the system employs a torsion rod in combination with the compact, low power, low mass actuator. Of course, the disclosure is not limited to employing a torsion spring and/or torsion rod as the counterweight member.
[0062] While the power system disclosed herein is described in the context of opening and closing a tailgate of a truck or SUV, the invention is not so limited. Embodiments of the system described herein can be employed in the place of any power system or linkage that is intended to open or close a hinged panel. For example, the system can be employed as part of a vehicle storage compartment mounted in the truck bed (e.g., a truck bed storage drawer or box) or as part of a cargo-hauling system dimensioned to fit within the bed of the truck. Of course, the system is not limited to use with trucks or SUVs and can be employed with any type of vehicle.”
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