A tailgate actuator opens a vehicle’s tailgate with a push-pull mechanism powered by an electric solenoid, allowing for remote operation and opening before contact with the vehicle. Similar technology is used for self-opening side doors in vans. SUVs often have a two-stage solenoid for opening both the tailgate and tailgate glass.
A tailgate actuator is a device used to open a vehicle’s tailgate at the touch of a button or via a wireless remote control. Using a push-pull mechanism, a liftgate actuator relies on power from an electric solenoid to open the liftgate. Connected to the latch mechanism located within the tailgate assembly, the tailgate opens when the tailgate actuator is activated and pulls the release latch via a chain or metal rod. The chain and cable or rod are connected at one end to the latch mechanism and to the actuator at the other. The tailgate is opened by either a hydraulic cylinder, a spring, or an open button, which is a spring-loaded plunger that is compressed between the tailgate frame and the vehicle’s chassis.
One of the many benefits that the tailgate actuator offers is the ability to open the tailgate prior to contact with the vehicle. This allows the tailgate to be opened in the rain without requiring the vehicle operator to wait in the rain for it to do so. For example, a grocery shopper can activate the tailgate actuator from across the parking lot in most cases and reach an open vehicle to empty a grocery cart. This can potentially prevent some of the groceries, as well as the shopper, from getting drenched while trying to open the back door. This feature also allows the vehicle operator to open a liftgate without leaving the comfort and safety of the driver’s seat.
The same technology that created the tailgate actuator has been used to make the automatic opening of side doors possible in vans. The self-opening side door uses a device very similar to the unit used on the tailgate, together with an electric drive motor that opens and closes the door with a chain and cable or with a hydraulic cylinder. By connecting the power actuator to the locking system, the door remains fully functional using the manual door handles. On most SUVs, the tailgate is equipped with a double-acting or double-stage actuator. This often consists of a solenoid that operates in both the push and pull directions.
A two-stage solenoid used in the SUV’s tailgate actuator opens both the tailgate and the tailgate glass. The actuator button is usually activated once to open the glass only and twice to open the tailgate. This feature allows the user to open the glass only if they place a small object in the rear cargo area. When more space is required, the tailgate can be opened to create a more accessible cargo area.
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