How do the electric tailgate struts obstructions or obstacles when closing?

Electric tailgate struts are designed to enhance the convenience and safety of opening and closing a vehicle’s tailgate. To handle obstructions or obstacles during closing, these systems incorporate various features and technologies to prevent damage and ensure safe operation. Here’s how electric tailgate struts manage obstructions:
 Anti-Pinch Sensors:Function: Anti-pinch sensors detect objects or obstructions in the path of the tailgate as it closes. These sensors are typically integrated into the tailgate mechanism or installed along the edges of the tailgate.Operation: If the sensors detect resistance or an obstruction, they signal the control unit to stop the closing motion and, in many cases, reverse the direction to reopen the tailgate slightly, allowing the obstruction to be cleared.
Obstacle Detection Technology:Ultrasonic Sensors: Some electric tailgate systems use ultrasonic sensors to detect objects in the closing path. These sensors emit ultrasonic waves that bounce back when they encounter an obstruction, alerting the system to stop or reverse.Infrared Sensors: Infrared sensors can also be used to detect obstacles. They work by emitting an infrared beam across the tailgate’s path, and if the beam is interrupted by an obstruction, the system responds accordingly.
Soft-Close Mechanism:Function: A soft-close mechanism is designed to gently and gradually close the tailgate to minimize the impact force. This helps reduce the risk of damaging the tailgate or objects in the path if an obstruction is detected.Operation: The mechanism slows down the tailgate’s closing speed as it approaches the fully closed position, providing a cushioning effect that helps in handling minor obstructions more gracefully.

Reversing Function:Automatic Reversal: When an obstruction is detected, the system can automatically reverse the tailgate’s movement to open it slightly. This allows the object to be removed or adjusted before the tailgate attempts to close again.User Intervention: In some systems, if an obstruction is detected and the tailgate reverses, the user may need to manually assist in clearing the obstruction or resetting the system to initiate a new closing attempt.
Manual Override:Function: In the event of a malfunction or if the sensors are obstructed (e.g., due to ice or dirt), many electric tailgate systems provide a manual override option.Operation: This allows the user to close the tailgate manually or through a manual control, bypassing the automatic sensors if necessary.
Integrated Control Units:Control Units: The control unit of an electric tailgate system processes data from sensors and manages the motor's operation. It uses algorithms to interpret sensor data and make real-time decisions on stopping or reversing the tailgate.Adaptability: Advanced control units can adapt to various conditions and obstructions, ensuring reliable operation even in challenging environments.
Maintenance and Calibration:Regular Calibration: To ensure optimal performance, the sensors and control units may need periodic calibration. This helps maintain accurate detection and response to obstructions.Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance of sensors and mechanical components are crucial to prevent false readings or malfunctioning due to accumulated debris or wear.
Customization and Sensitivity Adjustment:Adjustable Sensitivity: Some systems offer adjustable sensitivity settings for the sensors, allowing users to calibrate how sensitive the tailgate is to potential obstructions.Customization: Depending on the vehicle and system, users may have the option to customize how the system reacts to obstructions, balancing between sensitivity and tolerance for minor objects.
Electric tailgate struts use a combination of anti-pinch sensors, obstacle detection technology, soft-close mechanisms, automatic reversal, and manual override options to manage obstructions and obstacles during closing. These features enhance safety by preventing damage and ensuring that the tailgate operates reliably, even when encountering objects in its path.