Patent Publication Number: US-2022236101-A1

Title: Load-sensing closure panel

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to closure panels. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to load-sensing closure panels. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Closure panels, such as tailgates, are often used to support the weight of users, cargo items, and the like. However, situations exist where the weight or load applied to the closure panel may exceed the weight-bearing capabilities of the closure panel. Accordingly, damage can occur to the closure panel as a result of exceeding the weight-bearing capabilities of the closure panel. Therefore, the present disclosure seeks to mitigate the chances of damage to the closure panel and provide notifications to a user as a weight-bearing capacity of the closure panel is approached. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes a body, a aperture defined by the body, a first closure panel, and a load sensor. The first closure panel is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first closure panel covers at least a portion of the aperture when the first closure panel is in the closed position. The load sensor is coupled to the first closure panel. The load sensor senses a load that is applied to the first closure panel. 
     Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:
         a speaker, wherein the load sensed by the load sensor is communicated to a user as an audio output from the speaker;   a display device positioned within a portion of the body, wherein the load sensed by the load sensor is communicated to a user as a numerical output of the display device;   a second closure panel that is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second closure panel covers at least a portion of the aperture when the second closure panel is in the closed position;   the second closure panel includes a projection-based display device and the load sensed by the load sensor is communicated to a user as a numerical output of the projection-based display device;   the numerical output of the projection-based display device is projected onto a portion of the second closure panel;   the first closure panel and the second closure panel cover an entirety of the aperture when the first closure panel and the second closure panel are each in the closed position;   a controller, wherein the controller communicates a notification to a user when the load sensed by the load sensor approaches a predetermined threshold;   the controller contacts a repair service provider when the load sensed by the load sensor exceeds the predetermined threshold;   the load sensor is positioned within the first closure panel;   the aperture provides access to a cargo area;   the aperture provides access to a passenger compartment;   the load sensed by the load sensor is communicated to a user in a default language, wherein the default language is selected within an infotainment system; and the load sensed by the load sensor is communicated to a user via an over-the-air transmission.       

     According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of evaluating a load exposure of a closure panel of a vehicle includes the steps of determining the closure panel is in an open position; sensing a load is present on the closure panel with a load sensor; displaying a measured weight based on an output of the load sensor; determining the load is above a first predetermined threshold; and communicating to a user that the measured weight has exceeded the first predetermined threshold. 
     Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:
         the step of communicating to a user that the measured weight has exceeded the first predetermined threshold includes activating a speaker of the vehicle such that the speaker emits an audio output;   the step of communicating to a user that the measured weight has exceeded the first predetermined threshold includes alternating the displayed measured weight between an on state and an off state such that the displayed measured weight flashes a plurality of times;   the method also includes the steps of determining the load is above a second predetermined threshold; and communicating to the user that the measured weight has exceeded the second predetermined threshold;   the step of communicating to the user that the measured weight has exceeded the second predetermined threshold includes activating an exterior sounder and an exterior lamp of the vehicle; and   the method includes the steps of determining the load is above a third predetermined threshold, wherein the third predetermined threshold is a rated weight capacity of the closure panel; and contacting a repair service provider as a result of the load exceeding the third predetermined threshold.       

     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a vehicle, illustrating a first closure panel and a second closure panel each in an open position, according to one example; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle, illustrating the first closure panel in the open position, according to another example; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective of the vehicle, illustrating the first closure panel and the second closure panel in the open position, according to one example; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of the vehicle, illustrating a controller arrangement, according to one example; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of evaluating a load exposure of a closure panel of the vehicle, according to one example; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating the method of evaluating the load exposure of the closure panel of the vehicle, according to another example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a load-sensing closure panel. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. 
     In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.” It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point. 
     The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other. 
     As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , reference numeral  10  generally designates a vehicle. In various examples, the vehicle  10  may be a motor vehicle. For example, the vehicle  10  may be a land-based vehicle (e.g., an automobile, a motorcycle, a train, etc.), an air-based vehicle (e.g., an airplane, a helicopter, etc.), and/or a water-based vehicle (e.g., a boat or other watercraft). While the vehicle  10  may be a motor vehicle, the present disclosure is not limited to internal combustion engines as a source of locomotive power for the vehicle  10 . Rather, alternative sources may be utilized in providing locomotive power to the vehicle  10 . For example, locomotive power may be provided to the vehicle  10  by electric motors, fuel cells, and/or petroleum-based fuel engines. According to various examples, the vehicle  10  may be driver-controlled, semi-autonomous, fully-autonomous, or any combination of user-controlled and automated. For example, the semi-autonomous example of the vehicle  10  may perform many or all-commuting functions (e.g., accelerating, braking, turning, signaling, etc.) independent of user interaction while the user maintains override control of the vehicle  10 . The vehicle  10  includes a body  14 . The body  14  defines an aperture  18 . The vehicle  10  also includes a first closure panel  22  that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first closure panel  22  can cover at least a portion of the aperture  18  when the first closure panel  22  is in the closed position. A load sensor  26  is coupled to the first closure panel  22 . The load sensor  26  senses a load that is applied to the first closure panel  22 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , the vehicle  10  can include a second closure panel  30  that is movable between an open position and a closed position (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Similar to the first closure panel  22 , the second closure panel  30  can cover at least a portion of the aperture  18  when the second closure panel  30  is in the closed position. In some examples, when the first and second closure panels  22 ,  30  are both in the closed position, an entirety of the aperture  18  of the vehicle  10  can be covered. For example, the first closure panel  22  can be referred to as a lower liftgate and the second closure panel  30  can be referred to as an upper liftgate of a split-liftgate system (see  FIG. 1 ). In another example, the first closure panel  22  can be referred to as a front tailgate and the second closure panel  30  can be referred to as a hood of the vehicle  10  (see FIG.  3 ). In various examples, such as that depicted in  FIG. 2 , the aperture  18  of the vehicle  10  may be entirely covered when the first closure panel  22  is placed in the closed position. It is contemplated that the second closure panel  30  may be a cover for a pickup truck bed such that the example depicted in  FIG. 2  may include the second closure panel  30  in a manner similar to that depicted in  FIG. 3 . In some examples, the aperture  18  may provide access to a passenger compartment  34  of the vehicle  10  (see  FIG. 1 ). Additionally, or alternatively, the aperture  18  may provide access to a cargo area  38  of the vehicle  10 . In some examples, the first closure panel  22  may be referred to as a tailgate or as a lower liftgate. In various examples, the second closure panel  30  may be referred to as an upper liftgate, a hood, or a truck bed cover. In examples that employ the first closure panel  22  and the second closure panel  30 , the first and second closure panels  22 ,  30  can be dimensioned in a variety of ways without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. For example, the first and second closure panels  22 ,  30  may each cover about 50% of the aperture  18  such that the entirety of the aperture  18  is covered when the first and second closure panels  22 ,  30  are each in the closed position. Accordingly, in such an example, the first closure panel  22  may cover the lower half of the aperture  18  while the second closure panel  30  covers an upper half of the aperture  18 . However, the present disclosure is not so limited. Rather, the first and second closure panels  22 ,  30  may be sized and/or dimensioned in any manner that provides a covering of the entirety of the aperture  18 . For example, expressing the coverage of the first and second closure panels  22 ,  30  of the aperture  18  as a ratio of first closure panel  22  coverage to second closure panel  30  coverage (first closure panel coverage:second closure panel coverage), the first closure panel  22  and the second closure panel  30  may have a ratio split of the aperture  18  of about 5:95, about 10:90, about 15:85, about 20:80, about 25:75, about 30:70, about 35:65, about 40:60, about 45:55, about 50:50, about 55:45, about 60:40, about 65:35, about 70:30, and so on without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Indeed, the first closure panel  22  may be sized and/or dimensioned to independently cover an entirety of the aperture to the exclusion of the second closure panel  30  (see  FIG. 2 ). In various examples, the first closure panel  22  can cover a portion of the aperture  18  that extends primarily along a first plane (e.g., vertical) while the second closure panel  30  can cover a portion of the aperture  18  that extends primarily along a second plane (e.g., horizontal), such as that depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 1-3 , as stated above, the load sensor  26  is coupled to the first closure panel  22 . The coupling of the load sensor  26  to the first closure panel  22  may take many forms. For example, the load sensor  26  may be positioned within the first closure panel  22 , as depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, the load sensor  26  may be positioned within a hinge that couples the first closure panel  22  to the body  14  of the vehicle  10 . It is contemplated that the load sensor  26  may be positioned in any suitable location that allows or enables the load sensor  26  to register a load experienced by the first closure panel  22 . In general, the load sensor  26  converts a force (e.g., tension, compression, pressure, torque, etc.) into an electrical signal that can be measured. As the force applied to the load sensor  26  increases, the electrical signal that is output by the load sensor  26  changes in a proportional manner (e.g., increases or decreases). The signal output by the load sensor  26  may be directed to a controller of the vehicle  10 , as will be discussed further herein. Non-limiting examples of the load sensor  26  can include load cells, force cells, load transducers, force transducers, and the like. It is contemplated that the load sensor  26  may be coupled to the first closure panel  22  by way of a linkage assembly, where the linkage assembly transmits force applied to the first closure panel  22  to the load sensor  26 , which may enable an indirect coupling between the first closure panel  22  and the load sensor  26  as opposed to a direct coupling. 
     Referring still further to  FIGS. 1-3 , the force that is sensed by the load sensor  26  may be provided by a cargo item  42  that has come into contact with the first closure panel  22 . The present disclosure provides a variety of ways of communicating a load or force that is sensed by the load sensor  26  to a user. Accordingly, the user may be informed of the weight or load of the cargo item  42  such that the user may utilize the first closure panel  22  as a scale and/or the user may be kept informed with regard to a health of the first closure panel  22 . When referring to a health of the first closure panel  22 , the present disclosure may be referencing a proximity of the force or load sensed by the load sensor  26  to a rated load or weight capacity of the first closure panel  22 . For example, the first closure panel  22  can withstand a certain weight, load, and/or force prior to experiencing a degree of damage to the first closure panel  22  and/or structures that couple the first closure panel  22  to the body  14  of the vehicle  10 . Accordingly, the load sensor  26  may be employed to prevent damage to the first closure panel  22  and/or the vehicle  10  in general by enabling the vehicle  10  to inform the user when the first closure panel  22  is experiencing a weight, load, and/or force that approaches or exceeds the rated load or weight capacity of the first closure panel  22 . Rather than displaying a measured weight, the load sensor  26  can be used to display a percentage of the rated load or weight capacity that has been consumed or reached as a result of the weight of the cargo item  42 . While the present disclosure references a weight or load experienced by the first closure panel  22  as a result of the cargo item  42 , the present disclosure is not limited to sensing a load applied to the first closure panel  22  solely by the cargo item  42 . Rather, the weight or load experienced by the first closure panel  22  and measured by the load sensor  26  may originate from a variety of sources (e.g., individuals applying at least a portion of their weight to the opened first closure panel  22 ) without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , the vehicle  10  can include one or more speakers  46 . The speakers  46  may be positioned and/or oriented to provide audio output  50  to the passenger compartment  34  of the vehicle  10 . For example, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the second closure panel  30  may be provided with one or more of the speakers  46 . In such an example, regardless of whether the second closure panel  30  is in the open position or the closed position, the load sensed by the load sensor  26  may be communicated to the user as the audio output  50  of the speaker  46 . The audio output  50  from at least one of the speakers  46  may read out the measured weight of the cargo item  42  and/or provide a notification to the user regarding a proximity of the measured weight to the rated weight capacity of the first closure panel  22 . In examples where the second closure panel  30  is omitted and/or the aperture  18  provides access to the cargo area  38  but not the passenger compartment  34 , such as that depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , one or more windows  54  may be placed in an at least partially opened position by the vehicle  10  (e.g., by executing routines within a memory of the controller  78 ) prior to communication of the audio output  50  such that a user that is external to the vehicle  10  may be provided with a greater opportunity of hearing the audio output  50  from at least one of the speakers  46 . In some examples, a display device  58  may be positioned within a portion of the body  14 . In such examples, the load sensed by the load sensor  26  can be communicated to the user as a numerical output  62  of the display device  58 . In various examples, the display device  58  may be positioned within the upper region of the body  14 . It is contemplated that the display device  58  may serve more than one purpose. For example, the display device  58  may be utilized as a brake light, such as a third brake light, while also being utilized as the display device  58  for the numerical output  62  relating to the load sensed by the load sensor  26 . 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 1-3 , the second closure panel  30  and/or a portion of the body  14  may be provided with a projection-based display device  66 . In examples that employ the second closure panel  30 , such as that depicted in  FIG. 1 , the projection-based display device  66  may be housed within the second closure panel  30 . In such an example, the projection-based display device  66  may project a numerical output  70  onto a portion of the second closure panel  30 . For example, the second closure panel  30  may be provided with one of the windows  54 , such as a rear window  74 , and the numerical output  70  of the projection-based display device  66  may be projected upon the window  54  of the second closure panel  30 . In examples that do not employ the second closure panel  30 , such as that depicted in  FIG. 2 , the projection-based display device  66  may project the numerical output  70  upon one of the windows  54  that is visible from the location of the first closure panel  22 . For example, the numerical output  70  from the projection-based display device  66  may be projected upon one of the rear windows  74  that faces or is immediately adjacent to the cargo area  38 . Regardless of the surface upon which the numerical output  70  is projected from the projection-based display device  66 , the load sensed by the load sensor  26  can be communicated to the user as the numerical output  70  of the projection-based display device  66 . The vehicle  10  can include a controller  78  (see  FIG. 3 ). As the measured weight, load, and/or force that is sensed by the load sensor  26  approaches a predetermined threshold, the controller  78  can communicate a notification to the user that the load sensed by the load sensor  26  is approaching the predetermined threshold, as will be discussed further herein. The notification can be communicated (e.g., audibly and/or visually) in the same language that is selected as the default language within a system of the vehicle  10  (e.g., the controller  78 ). For example, the default language may be set within an infotainment system of the vehicle  10  and the notification may be communicated using the default language. It is contemplated that the notification may be communicated in a series of languages and may begin with the default language. For example, the notification can be communicated in English, then Spanish, then French, then German, then Arabic, then Chinese, then Japanese, and so on. 
     Referring still further to  FIGS. 1-3 , in some examples, the notification may be sent to an owner of the vehicle  10  and/or a warranty service provider via an over-the-air transmission (e.g., a cloud transmission or a telematics transmission). In so doing, an administrator or the owner may receive the notification by way of electronic mail (email), text message, push notification, display message upon a mobile device, etc. The notification can include various information such as date, time, location, measured load, and/or level of load versus the rated load or weight capacity of the first closure panel  22 . It is contemplated that the user of the vehicle  10  may be different than the owner of the vehicle  10  (e.g., a family member of the owner, an employee of the owner, a friend of the owner, etc.). Accordingly, the owner may be kept informed as to the status or health of the first closure panel  22 . It is also contemplated that, by notifying a warranty service provider (e.g., a dealership, a manufacturer, etc.), warranty repair costs may be avoided in instances of user neglect or misuse. For example, the vehicle  10  may log or otherwise store notification events (e.g., within memory on-board the vehicle  10  or within a cloud-based memory system). The notification events can be stored any time a predetermined threshold was exceeded and/or any time the rated weight capacity was exceeded. Information or data stored as a result of the notification event can include, but is not limited to, date, time, GPS location, level of measure load or weight versus rated weight capacity, images from cameras on-board the vehicle  10  (e.g., exterior and/or interior), and/or mobile device identification information for mobile devices within the vicinity. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the vehicle  10  includes the controller  78 . The controller  78  includes a processor  80  and memory  82 . The memory  82  stores software routines  84  that are executable by the processor  80 . In various situations, some of which will be discussed further herein, the software routines  84  within the memory  82  may be accessed by the controller  78  and/or the processor  80  in response to an input from the vehicle  10  (e.g., the load sensor  26 ). For example, in response to an input from the load sensor  26 , the processor  80  may access the software routines  84  stored within the memory  82  to compare the input from the load sensor  26  against one or more predetermined threshold. In the event that the input from the load sensor  26  corresponds to a value that exceeds one or more of the predetermined thresholds, the processor  80  may access the software routines  84  to communicate such exceeding of the predetermined threshold(s) to the user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a flow diagram depicting a method  90  of evaluating a load exposure of a closure panel, such as the first closure panel  22 , of the vehicle  10  is shown according to one example. The method  90  begins at starting point  94 . Once the method  90  has been started or initiated at starting point  94 , the method  90  can determine whether any system errors exist at decision point  98 . If decision point  98  determines that system errors do exist, then the method  90  may execute step  102  of entering into an existing error handling protocol. The existing error handling protocol can include diagnosing the existing error, communicating the existing error to the vehicle  10 , communicating the existing error to the user, and/or resolving the existing error. If the method  90  determines at decision point  98  that no system errors exist that would prevent the execution of the remainder of the method  90 , then the method  90  may advance to decision point  102  of determining whether the first closure panel  22  is in the open position. If at decision point  102  the method  90  determines that the first closure panel is not in the open position, then the method  90  may return to the starting point  94 . However, if the method  90  determines at decision point  102  that the first closure panel  22  is in the open position, then the method  90  may advance to step  106  of engaging the load sensor  26 . Once the load sensor  26  has been engaged at step  106 , the method  90  may advance to step  110  of displaying a measured weight. Said another way, step  110  may display a load exposure of the first closure panel  22 . Step  110  of displaying the measured weight or load exposure of the first closure panel  22 , as measured by the load sensor  26 , may be accomplished by any of the approaches outlined above with regard to communicating to the user a weight of the cargo item  42 . Step  110  of displaying the measured weight or load exposure of the first closure panel  22  can include displaying the measured weight of the cargo item  42  (e.g., in pounds or kilograms) and/or displaying a percentage of the rated weight capacity that has been consumed or reached. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the controller  78  may have access to the rated weight or load capacity of the first closure panel  22  (e.g., within the memory  82 ). The controller  78  may execute the method  90  as one of the software routines  84  stored within the memory  82 . Accordingly, the controller  78  may process an electrical output of the load sensor  26  (e.g., by way of the processor  80 ) and compare the measured load or weight provided by the load sensor  26  against the rated load or weight capacity of the first closure panel  22 . Therefore, the method  90  may determine at decision point  114  whether the measured weight has exceeded a first predetermined threshold. In various examples, the first predetermined threshold may represent a percentage of the rated weight or load capacity of the first closure panel  22  or the first predetermined threshold may represent being within a certain weight of the rated weight or load capacity. For example, the first predetermined threshold may be set at a weight that is within 50 lbs. (22.7 kg) of the rated load or weight capacity. If at decision point  114  the method  90  determines that the measured weight does not exceed the first predetermined threshold, then the method  90  may return to the step  110  of displaying the measured weight. However, if at decision point  114  method  90  determines that the measured weight exceeds the first predetermined threshold, then such exceeding of the first predetermined threshold may be communicated to the user. For example, the communicating of the measured weight having exceeded the first predetermined threshold can include step  118  of activating one or more of the speakers  46  to supply the audio output  50  that communicates to the user that the first predetermined threshold has been exceeded. The audio output  50  from the speaker  46  communicating the exceeding of the first predetermined threshold to the user can include a notification statement with regard to potential damage to the first closure panel  22 , an audible reading of the load measured by the load sensor  26 , an audible reading of the rated weight capacity of the first closure panel  22 , and/or an audible reading of a remaining weight or load that the first closure panel  22  can handle prior to reaching the rated weight capacity of the first closure panel  22 . Additionally, or alternatively, step  122  of flashing the measurement display (e.g., numerical output  62  or numerical output  70 ) may be executed in communicating to the user that the measured weight has exceeded the first predetermined threshold. In general, upon exceeding the first predetermined threshold, the method  90  seeks to make the user aware that they are approaching a load upon the first closure panel  22  that may result in damage to the first closure panel  22  and/or other components of the vehicle  10 . 
     Referring further to  FIG. 5 , as the load sensor  26  continues to monitor the weight or load experienced by the first closure panel  22 , the method  90  can reach decision point  126  of determining whether the weight or load experienced by the first closure panel  22  exceeds a second predetermined threshold. If at decision point  126  the method  90  determines that the second predetermined threshold has not been exceeded, then the method  90  can continue to display the measured weight and/or communicate the notifications related to the exceeding of the first predetermined threshold to the user. However, if the method  90  determines at decision point  126  that the second predetermined threshold has been exceeded, then the method  90  can communicate to the user that the measured weight or load experienced by the load sensor  26  has exceeded the second predetermined threshold. In various examples, the second predetermined threshold may represent a larger percentage of the related weight capacity of the first closure panel  22  or a certain weight less than the rated weight capacity of the first closure panel  22 . For example, the second predetermined threshold may be 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) less than the rated weight capacity of the first closure panel  22 . Upon the determination that the measured weight has exceeded the second predetermined threshold at decision point  126 , the method  90  can communicate such exceeding of the second predetermined threshold in a more urgent manner than that which was communicated at the exceeding of the first predetermined threshold. For example, at step  130  the method  90  may activate an exterior sounder and exterior lamp of the vehicle  10 . Accordingly, the user may be more likely to cease the activity in which they are engaging that is resulting in the load or weight being applied to the first closure panel  22  and seek to determine a cause for the activating of the exterior sounder and the exterior lamp of the vehicle  10 . Examples of the exterior sounder can include, but are not limited to, an exterior speaker of the vehicle  10 , a horn of the vehicle  10 , and/or other sound-producing arrangements of the vehicle  10 . Alternative sound-producing arrangements of the vehicle  10  can include coupling a transducer to a component of the vehicle  10  (e.g., glass of one of the windows  54  and/or sheet metal of the body  14 ) such that the component of the vehicle  10  acts as a diaphragm of a speaker. Examples of the exterior lamp include, but are not limited to, a front-facing light (e.g., headlight) of the vehicle  10 , a rear-facing light (e.g., taillight) of the vehicle  10 , and/or a side-facing light of the vehicle  10 . Additionally, or alternatively, the method  90  may employ the speakers  46  to provide the audio output  50  communicating to the user that the second predetermined threshold has been exceeded and/or continuing to flash the measurement display by alternating the numerical output  62  and/or the numerical output  70  between an on state and an off state repeatedly. As the load sensor  26  continues to monitor the load or weight applied to the first closure panel  22 , the method  90  may reach decision point  134  of determining whether the weight exceeds the rated weight capacity or threshold. If at decision point  134  the method  90  determines that the rated weight capacity or threshold has not been exceeded, then the method  90  may continue to warn, notify, or otherwise communicate to the user that the second predetermined threshold has been exceeded. However, if the load or weight measured by the load sensor  26  is determined to exceed the rated weight capacity or threshold at decision point  134 , then the method  90  may advance to step  138  of contacting a repair service provider. In contacting the repair service provider at step  138 , the method  90  may provide additional information to the repair service provider, such as a GPS location of the vehicle  10 , customer contact information, vehicle-specific information, and the like, such that the repair service provider may evaluate, diagnose, and/or resolve any damage or issues that may result from having exceeded the rated weight capacity of the first closure panel  22 . The method  90  can cease at endpoint  142 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a flow chart of a method  150  of evaluating a load exposure of a closure panel (e.g., the first closure panel  22 ) of the vehicle  10  is shown according to one example. The method  150  includes step  154  of determining the closure panel, such as the first closure panel  22 , is in an open position. The open position may be alternatively referred to as a deployed position, a lowered position, a down position, and the like. The method  150  also includes step  158  of sensing a load is present on the closure panel with the load sensor  26 . Upon sensing the load is present on the closure panel at step  158 , the method  150  can perform step  162  of displaying a measured load or weight based on an output of the load sensor  26 . For example, the load sensor  26  may provide an output to the controller  78 . The controller  78  can determine the load or weight based upon the output from the load sensor  26  (e.g., by employing the processor  80 , the memory  82 , and/or the software routines  84 ). Once the load or weight has been determined based upon the output from the load sensor  26  at step  162 , the method  150  can perform step  166  of determining the load or weight is above a first predetermined threshold. For example, the controller  78  may have the first predetermined threshold stored within the memory  82 . Accordingly, the processor  80  may compare the measured weight or load to the stored first predetermined threshold. Upon determining that the measured load or weight is above the first predetermined threshold at step  166 , the method  150  can perform step  170  of communicating to the user that the measured load or weight has exceeded the first predetermined threshold. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , the step  170  of communicating to the user that the measured load or weight has exceeded the first predetermined threshold can employ any of the examples of communicating with the user outlined above individually or in any combination. For example, the step  170  of communicating to the user that the measured load or weight has exceeded the first predetermined threshold can include activating one or more of the speakers  46  of the vehicle  10  such that the one or more of the speakers  46  emits the audio output  50 . Additionally, or alternatively, the step  170  of communicating to the user that the measured load or weight has exceeded the first predetermined threshold can include alternating the displayed measured load or weight (e.g., the numerical output  62  and/or the numerical output  70 ) between an on state and an off state such that the displayed measured load or weight flashes a plurality of times. In various examples, the method  150  can include a step of determining the load is above a second predetermined threshold by referencing the output of the load sensor  26 . In such an example, the method  150  can also include a step of communicating to the user that the measured load or weight has exceeded the second predetermined threshold. The second predetermined threshold can be greater than the first predetermined threshold. That is, the second predetermined threshold can be a greater percentage of the rated load or weight capacity (e.g., closer to the rated load or weight capacity). In some examples, the step of communicating to the user that the measured load or weight has exceeded the second predetermined threshold can be performed in a manner that expresses a greater degree of urgency to the user. For example, the step of communicating to the user that the measured load or weight has exceeded the second predetermined threshold can include activating an exterior sounder and an exterior lamp of the vehicle  10  (e.g., alternating between an on state and an off state a plurality of times). In various examples, the method  150  can include a step of determining that the load or weight is above a third predetermined threshold. The third predetermined threshold can be the rated load or weight capacity of the closure panel (e.g., the first closure panel  22 ). In such an example, the method  150  can include a step of contacting a repair service provider (e.g., a vehicle dealership) as a result of the load exceeding the third predetermined threshold. Additionally, or alternatively, the user may be informed of the load exceeding the third predetermined threshold by audio and/or visual communications provided by the vehicle  10 . For example, the vehicle  10  may provide a message to the user regarding the load or weight capacity of the closure panel having been exceeded and/or that damage may have occurred to the closure panel in the form of the audio output  50  from one or more of the speakers  46 . 
     Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the concepts disclosed herein. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described concepts, and other components, is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or numeral of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes, or steps within described processes, may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further, it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise.