Patent Publication Number: US-2021180367-A1

Title: Systems and methods for operating a power tailgate system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The embodiments disclosed herein relate to vehicles with tailgates and, more particularly, to power tailgate systems for automatically opening the tailgates and automatically closing the tailgates. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many vehicles include tailgates. The tailgates serve as closure panels, and are movable between closed positions and open positions. In addition to the tailgates themselves, the vehicles include latch assemblies. Among other things, the latch assemblies include latches for latching the tailgates. To close the tailgates, the latches are activated. When the latches are activated, the latches latch the tailgates as the tailgates are moved to the closed positions, and afterwards, when the tailgates are in the closed positions. To open the tailgates, the latches are deactivated. When the latches are deactivated, the latches unlatch the tailgates as the tailgates are moved to the open positions. 
     Many of today&#39;s vehicles with tailgates also include power tailgate systems. The power tailgate systems include tailgate actuators for the tailgates, and latch actuators for the latch assemblies. By the operation of the tailgate actuators and the latch actuators, the power tailgate systems automatically open the tailgates and automatically close the tailgates. To automatically open the tailgates, the power tailgate systems open the tailgates after deactivating the latches. To automatically close the tailgates, the power tailgate systems close the tailgates after activating the latches. 
     Among other things, the power tailgate systems accommodate requests to automatically open the tailgates and requests to automatically close the tailgates. Although the power tailgate systems of today&#39;s vehicles have proven satisfactory, one contemplated area for improvement concerns vehicles whose tailgates are overloaded. For instance, users may remotely generate requests to automatically open the tailgates when, unbeknownst to them, the tailgates are overloaded with cargo. When the power tailgate systems automatically open the tailgates, the vehicles, including but not limited to the power tailgate systems, as well as the cargo itself, may suffer the threat of damage. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems and methods for operating a power tailgate system. In one aspect, the embodiments include overload checking a tailgate latched by a latch that is in a full-latching position, connected with a latch actuator, and activated by the latch actuator for non-revertible movement in a latching direction. Overload checking the tailgate includes operating the latch actuator to over-stroke the latch, identifying an over-stroking load on the latch actuator, and based on the over-stroking load on the latch actuator, determining whether the tailgate is overloaded or not overloaded. Over-stroking the latch includes moving the latch in the latching direction from the full-latching position to an over-stroking position, and the over-stroking load on the latch actuator is associated with its operation to over-stroke the latch. This and other aspects will be described in additional detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various features, advantages and other uses of the present embodiments will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawing in which: 
         FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D  portray a vehicle using partial perspective views and a block diagram, showing a bed, a tailgate, tailgate-side latch assemblies that include latches for latching the tailgate, vehicle-side strikers for the latches, and a power tailgate system that includes tailgate actuators for the tailgate, and latch actuators for the latch assemblies; 
         FIG. 2  portrays a latch assembly using a partial perspective view and a side view, showing latch components, including the latch, a pawl for the latch, and a control linkage for the pawl and the latch that the latch actuator for the latch is operable to drive; and 
         FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C  portray, with reference to the latch assembly from  FIG. 2 , the operations of a process for operating the power tailgate system, using partial perspective views and side views, a flow chart and a graph, showing aspects of overload checking the tailgate using the latch actuator to come to a determination whether the tailgate is overloaded or not overloaded, and when the tailgate is overloaded, deny requests to automatically open the tailgate. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure relates to a vehicle that includes a tailgate, a latch for latching the tailgate, and as part of a power tailgate system, a latch actuator connected with the latch. In relation to the vehicle, this disclosure teaches systems and methods for operating the power tailgate system. According to the systems and methods, the power tailgate system may overload check the tailgate using the latch actuator to come to a determination whether the tailgate is overloaded or not overloaded, and when the tailgate is overloaded, deny requests to automatically open the tailgate. 
     Part of a representative passenger vehicle  100  is shown in  FIG. 1A . As shown, the vehicle  100  is a pickup truck. The vehicle  100  includes an exterior and a number of interior compartments. In the illustrated pickup truck configuration of the vehicle  100 , the compartments include an open-topped bed  102  for carrying cargo. In addition to the bed  102 , the compartments may include a passenger compartment, an engine compartment and the like. Among other things, the vehicle  100  may include seats, a dash assembly, an instrument panel and the like housed in the passenger compartment. In addition, the vehicle  100  may include an engine, a motor, a transmission and the like, as well as other powertrain components, such as wheels, housed in the engine compartment and elsewhere in the vehicle  100 . The wheels support the remainder of the vehicle  100  on the ground. One, some or all of the wheels are powered by the remainder of the powertrain components to drive the vehicle  100  along the ground. 
     The vehicle  100  includes a body  104  that forms the exterior and defines or otherwise encloses the bed  102  and the other compartments. In relation to the bed  102 , the body  104  includes a deck  106 , two sides  108 , a bulkhead  110  and a rear end  112 . At the rear end  112 , the body  104  defines a tailgate opening  114 . Likewise, the body  104 , including but limited to the sides  108 , renders surrounding body  116  that frames the tailgate opening  114 . The tailgate opening  114  opens between the bed  102  and the exterior. Relatedly, as part of the rear end  112 , the body  104  includes a tailgate  118  corresponding to the tailgate opening  114 . This description follows with reference to the tailgate  118  in the illustrated pickup truck configuration of the vehicle  100 . However, it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to otherwise similar vehicles whose bodies include tailgates corresponding to tailgate openings that open between their compartments and their exteriors. For instance, this disclosure is applicable in principle to vehicles whose bodies include liftgates corresponding to liftgate openings that open between their cargo compartments and their exteriors. 
     As shown with additional reference to  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the tailgate  118  serves as closure panel for the bed  102 . The tailgate  118  is pivotally connected to the surrounding body  116  for movement, relative to the tailgate opening  114 , between one or more closed positions and one or more open positions. In  FIG. 1A , the tailgate  118  is shown in a representative closed position. In the closed positions, the tailgate  118  is positioned over the tailgate opening  114 , with the periphery of the tailgate  118  adjacent the surrounding body  116 . In  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the tailgate  118  is shown in a representative open position. In the open positions, the tailgate  118  is positioned away from the tailgate opening  114 , which allows access to the bed  102  from the rear of the vehicle  100 . 
     In relation to opening the tailgate  118  and closing the tailgate  118 , the vehicle  100  includes one or more tailgate-side latch assemblies  120 . Each latch assembly  120  includes a striker chute  122 , and a corresponding latch  124  for latching the tailgate  118 . Relatedly, the vehicle  100  includes one or more vehicle-side strikers  126  corresponding to the striker chutes  122  and the latches  124 . Each latch assembly  120  is connected to the tailgate  118 . Each latch assembly  120  may be housed, in whole or in part, in the tailgate  118 . For instance, each latch assembly  120  may be housed in the tailgate  118 , and connected to the tailgate  118 , as a unitary module. Each striker  126  is connected to the surrounding body  116 . Although the vehicle  100 , as shown, includes two latch assemblies  120  and two strikers  126 , it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to otherwise similar vehicles  100  including one or more latch assemblies  120  and one or more strikers  126 . 
     Each latch assembly  120  includes one or more latch components, including but not limited to the striker chute  122  and the latch  124 . The latch components are connected within the latch assembly  120 , and equally, connected within the tailgate  118 . From within the latch assembly  120 , and equally, from within the tailgate  118 , some of the latch components, including but not limited to the striker chute  122 , may be immovable. These latch components are not only immovable relative to one another, but also immovable relative to the latch assembly  120 , and equally, immovable relative to the tailgate  118 . In addition, some of the latch components, including but not limited to the latch  124 , may be movable. These latch components are not only movable relative to one another, but also movable relative to the latch assembly  120 , and equally, movable relative to the tailgate  118 . In any event, all of the latch components, including but not limited to the striker chute  122  and the latch  124 , are co-movable with the latch assembly  120 , and equally, co-movable with the tailgate  118 . With respect to the movement of the latch components, this description follows with reference to the perspective of the tailgate  118 . However, it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to the perspective of the latch assembly  120 . 
     For each corresponding striker chute  122 , latch  124  and striker  126 , the striker chute  122  opens to the tailgate  118  for passing the striker  126  into and out of the tailgate  118 . The latch  124  is movable, relative to the striker chute  122 , in a latching direction and in an unlatching direction between one or more unlatching positions and one or more latching positions. In  FIG. 1B , the latch  124  is shown in a representative unlatching position. In the unlatching positions, the latch  124  aligns with the striker chute  122  for passing the striker  126  into and out of the tailgate  118 . In the latching positions, the latch  124  crosses the striker chute  122  for capturing the striker  126  within the tailgate  118 . Accordingly, the latch  124  latches the tailgate  118  to the surrounding body  116  against the striker  126 . 
     The latch  124  may be activated for non-revertible movement in the latching direction. When the tailgate  118  is being closed, the latch  124  functions as the tailgate  118  is moved to the closed positions, and afterward, when the tailgate  118  is in the closed positions. With the tailgate  118  in the open positions, the latch  124 , having previously unlatched the tailgate  118 , is in an unlatching position. To close the tailgate  118 , the latch  124  is activated for non-revertible movement in the latching direction. As the tailgate  118  is moved to the closed positions, the striker  126  passes into the tailgate  118  through the striker chute  122 . As it passes into the tailgate  118 , the striker  126  moves the latch  124  in the latching direction to a latching position, and the latch  124 , unable to move in the unlatching direction to an unlatching position, latches the tailgate  118  to the surrounding body  116  against the striker  126 . 
     In addition, the latch  124  may be deactivated for movement in the unlatching direction. When the tailgate  118  is being opened, the latch  124  functions as the tailgate  118  is moved to the open positions. With the tailgate  118  in the closed positions, the latch  124 , having previously latched the tailgate  118 , is in a latching position. To open the tailgate  118 , the latch  124  is deactivated for movement in the unlatching direction. As the tailgate  118  is moved to the open positions, the striker  126  passes out of the tailgate  118  through the striker chute  122 . As it passes out of the tailgate  118 , the striker  126 , in combination with a bias for movement in the unlatching direction, moves the latch  124  in the unlatching direction to an unlatching position, and the latch  124  unlatches the tailgate  118  from the surrounding body  116  from against the striker  126 . 
     As shown with additional reference to  FIG. 1D , the vehicle  100  includes one or more vehicle systems  130  operable to perform vehicle functions. In addition to the vehicle systems  130 , the vehicle  100  includes a sensor system  132 , as well as one or more processors  134 , memory  136 , and a control module  138  to which the vehicle systems  130  and the sensor system  132  are communicatively connected. The control module  138  may be housed, in whole or in part, in the tailgate  118 . The sensor system  132  is operable to detect information about the vehicle  100 . The processors  134 , the memory  136  and the control module  138  together serve as a computing device whose control module  138  is employable to orchestrate the operation of the vehicle  100 , in whole or in part. Specifically, the control module  138  operates the vehicle systems  130  based on information about the vehicle  100 . Accordingly, as a prerequisite to operating the vehicle systems  130 , the control module  138  gathers information about the vehicle  100 , including the information about the vehicle  100  detected by the sensor system  132 . The control module  138  then evaluates the information about the vehicle  100 , and operates the vehicle systems  130  based on its evaluation. 
     The vehicle systems  130  are part of, mounted to or otherwise supported by the body  104 . Each vehicle system  130  includes one or more vehicle elements. On behalf of the vehicle system  130  to which it belongs, each vehicle element is operable to perform, in whole or in part, any combination of vehicle functions with which the vehicle system  130  is associated. It will be understood that the vehicle elements, as well as the vehicle systems  130  to which they belong, may but need not be mutually distinct. 
     The vehicle systems  130  include an energy system  140  and a power tailgate system  142 . The power tailgate system  142  is connected to the energy system  140 . Moreover, the power tailgate system  142  is connected to the tailgate  118 , and to the latch assemblies  120 . The energy system  140  is operable to perform one or more energy functions, including but not limited to storing and otherwise handling electrical energy. The power tailgate system  142  is operable to perform one or more power tailgate functions using electrical energy from the energy system  140 , including but not limited to automatically opening the tailgate  118  and automatically closing the tailgate  118 . 
     Among the power tailgate elements of the power tailgate system  142 , the vehicle  100  includes one or more tailgate actuators  150  for the tailgate  118 . Each tailgate actuator  150  may be housed, in whole or in part, in the surrounding body  116 . In one implementation, each tailgate actuator  150  is a motor-driven spindle drive. In this and other implementations, each tailgate actuator  150  is connected to the energy system  140 . Moreover, each tailgate actuator  150  is connected with the tailgate  118 . The tailgate actuators  150  are operable to open the tailgate  118 , close the tailgate  118  and otherwise move the tailgate  118  between the closed positions and the open positions using electrical energy from the energy system  140 . Although the vehicle  100 , as shown, includes two tailgate actuators  150  in the power tailgate system  142 , it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to otherwise similar vehicles  100  including one or more tailgate actuators  150  in the power tailgate system  142 . 
     Also among the power tailgate elements of the power tailgate system  142 , the vehicle  100  includes one or more latch actuators  152  for the latch assemblies  120 . Each latch actuator  152  corresponds to a latch assembly  120 , and may be housed, in whole or in part, in the tailgate  118 . For instance, each latch actuator  152  may be housed in the tailgate  118 , and connected to the tailgate  118 , as a unitary module with the corresponding latch assembly  120 . In one implementation, each latch actuator  152  is a motor-driven reduction drive. In this and other implementations, each latch actuator  152  is connected to the energy system  140 . Moreover, each latch actuator  152  is connected with the corresponding latch assembly  120 . For each corresponding latch assembly  120 , latch  124  and latch actuator  152 , using electrical energy from the energy system  140 , the latch actuator  152  is operable to activate the latch  124  for non-revertible movement in the latching direction, and deactivate the latch  124  for movement in the unlatching direction. Moreover, the latch actuator  152  is operable to disengage the latch  124 , move the latch  124  in the latching direction, and move the latch  124  in the unlatching direction. Although the vehicle  100 , as shown, includes one latch actuator  152  per latch assembly  120  in the power tailgate system  142 , it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to otherwise similar vehicles  100  including one or more latch actuators  152  per latch assembly  120  in the power tailgate system  142 . 
     The vehicle  100  includes one or more user controls  154  and one or more user interfaces  156  for the power tailgate system  142 . In the vehicle  100 , the user controls  154  and the user interfaces  156  may be part of an infotainment system typical of vehicles, or dedicated to the power tailgate system  142 . The user controls  154  serve as interfaces between users and the vehicle  100  itself, and are operable to receive mechanical, verbal and other user inputs for generating requests. Similarly, the user interfaces  156  serve as interfaces between users and the vehicle  100  itself, and are operable to issue tactile, sound and visual outputs that may be sensed by users. For instance, the vehicle  100  may include one or more onboard or off-board user controls  154  for remotely generating requests to automatically open the tailgate  118  from in the passenger compartment or otherwise away from the tailgate  118  (e.g., an onboard user control  154  in the passenger compartment, an off-board user control  154  located away from the tailgate  118 , etc.). For instance, the vehicle  100  may include one or more onboard or off-board user controls  154  for non-remotely generating requests to automatically open the tailgate  118  from the rear of the vehicle  100  or otherwise adjacent the tailgate  118  (e.g., an onboard user control  154  on the rear of the vehicle  100 , an off-board user control  154  located adjacent the tailgate  118 , etc.). 
     As part of the sensor system  132 , the vehicle  100  includes one or more onboard sensors. The sensors monitor the vehicle  100  in real-time. The sensors, on behalf of the sensor system  132 , are operable to detect information about the vehicle  100 , including information about the operation of the vehicle  100 . Among the sensors, the vehicle  100  includes one or more tailgate sensors, one or more latch sensors, one or more controller area network (CAN) sensors and the like. Relatedly, among information about the operation of the vehicle  100 , the sensor system  132  is operable to detect the movement of the tailgate  118 , the movement of the latches  124 , requests to automatically open the tailgate  118 , requests to automatically close the tailgate  118 , and the operational statuses of one, some or all of the vehicle systems  130 , including the energy system  140 , the tailgate actuators  150  and the latch actuators  152 . 
     A representative latch assembly  120 , whose exterior is removed to better view movable latch components, is shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown, the latch assembly  120  is rendered by shaft-supported rotary latch components. As shown with reference to a phantom rendering of the striker chute  122 , among the movable latch components of the latch assembly  120 , the tailgate  118  includes the latch  124 , as noted above, as well as a latch spring  200  for the latch  124 , a pawl  202  for the latch  124 , a pawl spring  204  for the pawl  202 , and a control linkage  206  for the pawl  202  and the latch  124 . In  FIG. 2 , the latch  124  is shown in a representative unlatching position. The latch  124  is biased, by the latch spring  200 , for movement in the unlatching direction. The pawl  202  is biased, by the pawl spring  204 , for engagement with the latch  124 . In  FIG. 2 , the pawl  202  is shown engaging the latch  124 . When the pawl  202  engages the latch  124 , the latch  124  is non-revertibly movable in the latching direction. When the pawl  202  disengages the latch  124 , the latch  124  is movable in the unlatching direction. Accordingly, in a normally-activated configuration, the pawl  202  normally engages the latch  124 , and with the pawl  202  normally engaging the latch  124 , the latch  124  is normally activated for non-revertible movement in the latching direction. Likewise, the latch  124  is deactivated for movement in the unlatching direction when the pawl  202  is disengaged from the latch  124 . 
     The corresponding latch actuator  152  for the latch  124  is connected with the control linkage  206 . The latch actuator  152  is operable to drive the control linkage  206  using electrical energy from the energy system  140 . As the product of driving the control linkage  206 , the latch actuator  152  is operable to disengage the pawl  202  and disengage the latch  124  at the same time, and otherwise, disengage the pawl  202  from the latch  124  and move the latch  124  in the latching direction one at a time. With the pawl  202  normally engaging the latch  124 , as the product of disengaging the pawl  202 , the latch actuator  152  is operable to activate the latch  124  for non-revertible movement in the latching direction at the same time as either disengaging the latch  124 , moving the latch  124  in the latching direction, or moving the latch  124  in the unlatching direction. As the product of disengaging the pawl  202  from the latch  124 , the latch actuator  152  is operable to deactivate the latch  124  for movement in the unlatching direction at the same time as disengaging the latch  124 . 
     As shown, the control linkage  206  includes a pinion gear  210 . The latch actuator  152  is connected with the control linkage  206  at the pinion gear  210 , and is operable to drive the control linkage  206  through the pinion gear  210  using electrical energy from the energy system  140 . In succession from the pinion gear  210  to the pawl  202  and to the latch  124 , the control linkage  206  includes a sector gear  212  meshed with the pinion gear  210 , and a drive pin  214  on the sector gear  212 . In further succession to the pawl  202 , the control linkage  206  includes a pawl crank  216  and a pawl lever  218 . In further succession to the latch  124 , the control linkage  206  includes a latch lever  220 . The pinion gear  210  is movable in a counterclockwise direction and in a clockwise direction. In  FIG. 2 , the control linkage  206  is shown idled after having been driven by the latch actuator  152  to disengage the pawl  202  and disengage the latch  124 . Through the pinion gear  210 , the sector gear  212 , the drive pin  214 , the pawl crank  216  and the pawl lever  218 , the control linkage  206  is drivable by the latch actuator  152  by moving the pinion gear  210  in the counterclockwise direction until the pawl lever  218  disengages the pawl  202  from the latch  124 , and thereafter, in the clockwise direction until the pawl lever  218  disengages the pawl  202 . Alternatively, through the pinion gear  210 , the sector gear  212 , the drive pin  214  and the latch lever  220 , the control linkage  206  is drivable by the latch actuator  152  by moving the pinion gear  210  in the clockwise direction until the latch lever  220  moves the latch  124  in the latching direction, and thereafter, in the counterclockwise direction until the latch lever  220  disengages the latch  124  after moving the latch  124  in the unlatching direction. 
     The operations of a process  300  for operating the power tailgate system  142  are shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C . According to the process  300 , the power tailgate system  142  may overload check the tailgate  118  using the latch actuator  152  to come to a determination whether the tailgate  118  is overloaded or not overloaded, and when the tailgate  118  is overloaded, deny requests to automatically open the tailgate  118 . For instance, users may remotely generate requests to automatically open the tailgate  118  when, unbeknownst to them, the tailgate  118  is overloaded with cargo. According to the process  300 , the power tailgate system  142  may deny the requests to automatically open the tailgate  118 , and instead, alert the users that the tailgate  118  is overloaded. Accordingly, the vehicle  100 , including but not limited to the power tailgate system  142 , as well as the cargo itself, does not suffer the threat of damage. Although the process  300  is described with reference to one tailgate actuator  150 , and one latch actuator  152  and corresponding latch assembly  120  and latch  124 , it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to otherwise similar processes  300  for one or more tailgate actuators  150 , one or more latch actuators  152 , one or more latch assemblies  120  and one or more latches  124 . 
       FIG. 3A  shows the latch assembly  120  from  FIG. 2 . According to the process  300 , the latch assembly  120  and the tailgate  118  are configured such that in addition to an unlatching position, a half-latching position and a full-latching position, the latch  124  has an over-stroking position past the full-latching position. For instance, the latch assembly  120  and the tailgate  118  may be configured such that from the perspective of the latch actuator  152 , the latch  124  is substantially unobstructed for movement in the in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position. The unlatching position, the half-latching position, the full-latching position and the over-stroking position are consecutive in the latching direction and in the unlatching direction. 
     In the context of the vehicle  100 , the movement of the latch  124  and the movement of the tailgate  118  have an interdependent relationship. In correspondence with the unlatching position, the half-latching position, the full-latching position and the over-stroking position, the tailgate  118  and the surrounding body  116  are configured such that in addition to one or more open positions, in which the tailgate  118  is unaligned with the surrounding body  116 , a near-closed position, in which the tailgate  118  is near alignment with the surrounding body  116 , and a fully-closed position, in which the tailgate  118  is in alignment with the surrounding body  116 , the tailgate  118  has an over-closed position past the fully-closed position, in which the tailgate  118  is past alignment with the surrounding body  116 . For instance, the tailgate  118  and the surrounding body  116  may be configured such that from the perspective of the latch actuator  152 , the tailgate  118  is substantially unobstructed for movement from the fully-closed position to the over-closed position. 
     According to the process  300 , the control module  138  gathers information about the vehicle  100  for evaluation, including the movement of the tailgate  118 , the movement of the latch  124 , requests to automatically open the tailgate  118 , requests to automatically close the tailgate  118 , the operational statuses of the energy system  140 , the tailgate actuator  150  and the latch actuator  152 , and other information about the vehicle  100  detected by the sensor system  132 . For instance, with respect to the movement of the latch  124 , the control module  138  monitors for and identifies unlatching events indicating movement of the latch  124  to the unlatching position. Likewise, the control module  138  monitors for and identifies half-latching events, full-latching events and over-stroking events respectively indicating movement of the latch  124  to the half-latching position, to the full-latching position and to the over-stroking position. For instance, with respect to the operational statuses of the energy system  140  and the latch actuator  152 , the control module  138  monitors for and identifies the load on the latch actuator  152 , such as the electrical energy drawn by the latch actuator  152  from the energy system  140 , the speed of the latch actuator  152  and the like, associated with the operation of the latch actuator  152 . 
     In operation  302 , following the control module  138  automatically opening the tailgate  118  according to operations  314  and  316 , the latch  124  is in the unlatching position, and activated for non-revertible movement in the latching direction. Accordingly, the latch  124  is movable in the latching direction from the unlatching position to the half-latching position, and thereafter, is not movable in the unlatching direction past the half-latching position. 
     In operation  304 , in response to a request to automatically close the tailgate  118 , the control module  138  operates the tailgate actuator  150  to close the tailgate  118  until the tailgate  118  reaches the near-closed position. As the tailgate  118  is moved to the near-closed position, the striker  126  passes into the tailgate  118  through the striker chute  122 . As it passes into the tailgate  118 , the striker  126  moves the latch  124  in the latching direction from the unlatching position to the half-latching position. 
     With the latch  124  in the half-latching position and activated for non-revertible movement in the latching direction, the latch  124 , although movable in the latching direction from the half-latching position to the full-latching position, is not movable in the unlatching direction past the half-latching position. Accordingly, the latch  124 , unable to move in the unlatching direction to the unlatching position, latches the tailgate  118  to the surrounding body  116  against the striker  126  in the near-closed position. 
     In operation  306 , the control module  138  identifies the accompanying half-latching event, and in response to identifying the half-latching event, operates the latch actuator  152  to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the half-latching position to the full-latching position. For instance, the control module  138  may operate the latch actuator  152  to move the latch  124  in the latching direction until it identifies a full-latching event. As it moves in the latching direction from the half-latching position to the full-latching position, the latch  124 , drawing the striker  126  further into the tailgate  118 , moves the tailgate  118  against the striker  126  from the near-closed position to the fully-closed position. 
     In operation  308 , the control module  138  identifies the accompanying full-latching event, and in response to identifying the full-latching event, operates the latch actuator  152  to disengage the latch  124  without deactivating the latch  124  for movement in the unlatching direction. With the latch  124  in the full-latching position and activated for non-revertible movement in the latching direction, the latch  124 , although movable in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position, and movable in the unlatching direction from the over-stroking position to the full-latching position, is not movable in the unlatching direction past the full-latching position. Accordingly, the latch  124 , unable to move in the unlatching direction to the half-latching position, latches the tailgate  118  to the surrounding body  116  against the striker  126  in the fully-closed position. 
     As shown with additional reference to  FIG. 3B , in operation  310 , as part of its evaluation of the information about the vehicle  100 , the control module  138  monitors for and identifies a request to automatically open the tailgate  118 . When the control module  138  does not identify a request to automatically open the tailgate  118 , it continues to monitor for requests to automatically open the tailgate  118  in anticipation that a request to automatically open the tailgate  118  will materialize. 
     In operation  312 , the control module  138  identifies whether the request to automatically open the tailgate  118  is remotely generated or non-remotely generated. When the request to automatically open the tailgate  118  is non-remotely generated, the control module  138  automatically opens the tailgate  118  according to operations  314  and  316 . For instance, it may be assumed that users adjacent the tailgate  118  know whether the tailgate  118  is overloaded or not overloaded, and will not generate requests to automatically open the tailgate  118  when they know that the tailgate  118  is overloaded. 
     In operation  314 , the control module  138  operates the latch actuator  152  to deactivate the latch  124  for movement in the unlatching direction. In operation  316 , the control module  138  operates the tailgate actuator  150  to open the tailgate  118 . As the tailgate  118  is moved to the open positions, the striker  126  passes out of the tailgate  118  through the striker chute  122 . As it passes out of the tailgate  118 , the striker  126 , in combination with the bias for movement in the unlatching direction, moves the latch  124  in the unlatching direction to the unlatching position. As part of a return loop to operation  302 , the control module  138  identifies the accompanying unlatching event, and in response to identifying the unlatching event, operates the latch actuator  152  to activate the latch  124  for non-revertible movement in the latching direction at the same time as disengaging the latch  124 . 
     Otherwise, when the request to automatically open the tailgate  118  is remotely generated, the control module  138  overload checks the tailgate  118  according to operations  318 ,  320  and  322 . For instance, it may be assumed that users away from the tailgate  118  may not know whether the tailgate  118  is overloaded or not overloaded, and may generate requests to automatically open the tailgate  118  when, unbeknownst to them, the tailgate  118  is overloaded. 
     In operation  318 , the control module  138  operates the latch actuator  152  to over-stroke the latch  124 . Specifically, the control module  138  operates the latch actuator  152  to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position. For instance, the control module  138  may operate the latch actuator  152  to move the latch  124  in the latching direction until it identifies an over-stroking event. As it moves in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position, the latch  124 , drawing the striker  126  further into the tailgate  118 , moves the tailgate  118  against the striker  126  from the fully-closed position to the over-closed position. Thereafter, the control module  138  operates the latch actuator  152  to move the latch  124  in the unlatching direction from the over-stroking position to the full-latching position. For instance, the control module  138  may operate the latch actuator  152  to move the latch  124  in the unlatching direction until it identifies a full-latching event. As it moves in the unlatching direction from the over-stroking position to the full-latching position, the latch  124 , letting the striker  126  less into the tailgate  118 , moves the tailgate  118  against the striker  126  from the over-closed position to the fully-closed position. Following operating the latch actuator  152  to over-stroke the latch  124  according to operation  318 , the control module  138  operates the latch actuator  152  to disengage the latch  124  without deactivating the latch  124  for movement in the unlatching direction according to operation  308 . 
     In operation  320 , as part of its evaluation of the information about the vehicle  100 , the control module  138  identifies an over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152 . The over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  is associated with its operation to over-stroke the latch  124 . For instance, the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  may be associated with any combination of its operation to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position, in whole or in part, and its operation to move the latch  124  in the unlatching direction from the over-stroking position to the full-latching position, in whole or in part. For instance, the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  may be quantified in terms of any combination of the electrical energy drawn by the latch actuator  152 , the speed of the latch actuator  152  and the like. 
     To aid the accuracy of its identification of over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  according to operation  320 , the control module  138  may factor in any combination of ambient temperature, the speed of the latch  124  associated with the operation of the latch actuator  152  to over-stroke the latch  124 , the speed of the latch actuator  152  associated with its operation to over-stroke the latch  124 , and the like. In addition, or alternatively, the control module  138  may curb the operation of the latch actuator  152  to over-stroke the latch  124  according to operation  318 . For instance, the control module  138  may curb the operation of the latch actuator  152  to over-stroke the latch  124  according to operation  318  compared to its operation to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the half-latching position to the full-latching position according to operation  306 . For instance, the control module  138  may curb the operation of the latch actuator  152  to over-stroke the latch  124  in terms of any combination of the electrical energy drawn by the latch actuator  152 , the speed of the latch actuator  152  and the like. For instance, with respect to electrical energy, the control module  138  may operate the latch actuator  152  at a full voltage to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the half-latching position to the full-latching position according to operation  306 , and operate the latch actuator  152  at a lower voltage to over-stroke the latch  124  according to operation  318 . For instance, the control module  138  may use pulse width modulation (PWM) to operate the latch actuator  152  at a lower voltage to over-stroke the latch  124  according to operation  318 . 
     In operation  322 , based on the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152 , the control module  138  determines whether the tailgate  118  is overloaded or not overloaded. For instance, the control module  138  may determine whether the tailgate  118  is overloaded or not overloaded using logic reflecting that increasing over-stroking loads on the latch actuator  152  are increasingly indicative that the tailgate  118  is overloaded. For instance, the control module  138  may compare the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  to a threshold associated with the tailgate  118  being not overloaded. For purposes of comparison, the threshold may be quantified similarly to the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152 . For instance, the threshold may be quantified in terms of any combination of electrical energy, speed and the like. For instance, the threshold may reflect when there is no loading on the tailgate  118 . For instance, the threshold may reflect when there is some loading on the tailgate  118 , but not enough for the vehicle  100 , including but not limited to the power tailgate system  142 , to suffer the threat of damage when the power tailgate system  142  automatically opens the tailgate  118 . For instance, the control module  138  may determine that the tailgate  118  is overloaded when the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  meets the threshold, and determine that the tailgate  118  is not overloaded when the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  does not meet the threshold. 
     In one implementation, the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  may be associated with its operation to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position. Regardless of whether the tailgate  118  is overloaded or not overloaded, as time elapses following the start of its operation to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position, the load on the latch actuator  152  may peak higher than the threshold. Accordingly, the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  may be the load on the latch actuator  152  during a predetermined time following the start of its operation to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position. 
     As shown with additional reference to  FIG. 3C , in one implementation, the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  is an over-stroking electrical energy, and in particular, current, drawn by the latch actuator  152  associated with its operation to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position. As shown, the over-stroking electrical energy drawn by the latch actuator  152  is the electrical energy drawn by the latch actuator  152  during a predetermined time following the start of its operation to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position. As shown, the control module  138  compares the over-stroking electrical energy drawn by the latch actuator  152  to a threshold, and in particular, a current threshold, associated with the tailgate  118  being not overloaded. The control module  138  determines that the tailgate  118  is overloaded when the over-stroking electrical energy drawn by the latch actuator  152  meets the threshold, and determines that the tailgate  118  is not overloaded when the over-stroking electrical energy drawn by the latch actuator  152  does not meet the threshold. 
     In one implementation, the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152  is an over-stroking speed, and in particular, rotational speed, of the latch actuator  152  associated with its operation to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position. In this implementation, the over-stroking speed of the latch actuator  152  is the speed of the latch actuator  152  during a predetermined time following the start of its operation to move the latch  124  in the latching direction from the full-latching position to the over-stroking position. In this implementation, the control module  138  compares the over-stroking speed of the latch actuator  152  to a threshold, and in particular, a rotational speed threshold, associated with the tailgate  118  being not overloaded. The control module  138  determines that the tailgate  118  is overloaded when the over-stroking speed of the latch actuator  152  meets the threshold, and determines that the tailgate  118  is not overloaded when the over-stroking speed of the latch actuator  152  does not meet the threshold. 
     When the tailgate  118  is not overloaded, the control module  138  automatically opens the tailgate  118  according to operations  314  and  316 . When the tailgate  118  is overloaded, the control module  138  does not further operate the latch actuator  152 . Following the control module  138  operating the latch actuator  152  to disengage the latch  124  without deactivating the latch  124  for movement in the unlatching direction according to operation  308 , the latch  124  latches the tailgate  118  to the surrounding body  116  against the striker  126  in the fully-closed position. Accordingly, the control module  138  effectively denies the request to automatically open the tailgate  118  identified according to operation  310 . In addition, in operation  324 , the control module  138  operates one or more of the user interfaces  156  to issue an alert that the tailgate  118  is overloaded. For instance, the alert that the tailgate  118  is overloaded may be rendered by any combination of one or more tactile outputs, one or more sound outputs, one or more visual outputs and the like ranging from an audible buzz to a full explanation concerning the determination that the tailgate  118  is overloaded. 
     With respect to overload checking the tailgate  118  according to operations  318 ,  320  and  322 , it is contemplated that the control module  138  may advantageously leverage, in whole or in part, existing mechanical, electrical, communications and like hardware architectures to identify whether the request to automatically open the tailgate  118  is remotely generated or non-remotely generated according to operation  312 , operate the latch actuator  152  to over-stroke the latch  124  according to operation  318 , identify the over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152 , including but not limited to aiding the accuracy of its identification of over-stroking load on the latch actuator  152 , according to operation  320 , and ultimately determine whether the tailgate  118  is overloaded or not overloaded according to operation  320 . For instance, overload checking the tailgate  118  according to operations  318 ,  320  and  322  may obviate the need for or augment cameras and like sensors for determining whether the tailgate  118  is overloaded or not overloaded. 
     With reference once again to  FIG. 1D , as noted above, the processors  134 , the memory  136  and the control module  138  together serve as a computing device whose control module  138  orchestrates the operation of the vehicle  100 , including but not limited to the operation of the vehicle systems  130 . The control module  138  may be a dedicated control module for the power tailgate system  142 , and may be housed, in whole or in part, in the tailgate  118 . Relatedly, as part of a central control system, the vehicle  100  may include a global control unit (GCU) to with which the control module  138  is communicatively connected. Alternatively, the control module  138  may be a global control module. Relatedly, as part of a central control system, the vehicle  100  may include a global control unit (GCU) to which the control module  138  belongs. Although the vehicle  100 , as shown, includes one control module  138 , it will be understood that this disclosure is applicable in principle to otherwise similar vehicles  100  including multiple control modules  138 . 
     The processors  134  may be any components configured to execute any of the processes described herein or any form of instructions to carry out such processes or cause such processes to be performed. The processors  134  may be implemented with one or more general-purpose or special-purpose processors. Examples of suitable processors  134  include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors or other forms of circuitry that execute software. Other examples of suitable processors  134  include without limitation central processing units (CPUs), array processors, vector processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic circuitry or controllers. The processors  134  may include at least one hardware circuit (e.g., an integrated circuit) configured to carry out instructions contained in program code. In arrangements where there are multiple processors  134 , the processors  134  may work independently from each other or in combination with one another. 
     The memory  136  is a non-transitory computer readable medium. The memory  136  may include volatile or nonvolatile memory, or both. Examples of suitable memory  136  includes random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), registers, magnetic disks, optical disks, hard drives or any other suitable storage medium, or any combination of these. The memory  136  includes stored instructions in program code. Such instructions are executable by the processors  134  or the control module  138 . The memory  136  may be part of the processors  134  or the control module  138 , or may be communicatively connected the processors  134  or the control module  138 . 
     Generally speaking, the control module  138  includes instructions that may be executed by the processors  134 . The control module  138  may be implemented as computer readable program code that, when executed by the processors  134 , execute one or more of the processes described herein. Such computer readable program code may be stored on the memory  136 . The control module  138  may be part of the processors  134 , or may be communicatively connected the processors  134 . 
     While recited characteristics and conditions of the invention have been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.