Vehicle-Mounted Tailgate Inspection System: Making Trucks Safer and Better

Have you seen those big lifting platforms on the back of trucks? They help load and unload stuff. But how do we know they’re safe? A smart testing system helps check if they work right. Let’s learn about this cool system that keeps trucks safe!

What’s a Tailgate and Why Test It?

Tailgates are lifting platforms on trucks that help move goods on and off. They make work faster and save money on extra loading tools. Tailgates work with:

• Car batteries for power
• Hydraulic parts that push and pull
• A flat platform that holds goods
  These tailgates can be found on many trucks like:
• Cold storage trucks
• Rescue trucks
• Regular delivery trucks
  Before this system, it was hard to test if tailgates were safe. Now, we have a smart way to check them!

The Smart Testing System Parts

This new system has many parts that work together:

Main Parts:

• Main frame – holds everything together
• Adjustable supports – fits different tailgate types
• Sensors – measure angles, heat, and movement
• Control box – runs the tests
• Hydraulic power – makes things move
  The system can test three types of tailgates:

1. Vertical – goes straight up and down
2. Cantilever – swings out like an arm
3. Folding – bends in the middle

How the Testing System Works

The system runs tests by moving the tailgate over and over to see if it stays strong. Here’s what it checks:

Speed Tests

The system makes sure tailgates don’t move too fast:

Strength and Durability Test

The system makes tailgates work many times to see if they break:

• 3,000 cycles with no weight
• 30,000 cycles with full weight (up to 1,500 kg)
  After all these tests, the tailgate should still work well with no broken parts!

The Power Behind the System

The testing system is very strong. It can:

• Lift up to 1,500 kg (plus the 250 kg tailgate)
• Use 3 MPa of hydraulic pressure
• Pump 120 liters of fluid per minute
• Use an 11.67 kW motor to power everything
  All this power helps test even the biggest tailgates used on heavy-duty trucks.

How the System Controls Everything

The system has a smart brain that runs all the tests:

1. Press start – The system begins opening the platform (not faster than 10°/s)
2. Angle sensors detect when the platform is flat
3. System lowers the platform to the ground (not faster than 150 mm/s)
4. Position sensors know when it’s on the ground
5. System tilts the platform up and down (not faster than 4°/s)
6. System lifts the platform back up
7. System closes the platform
   It does this over and over to see if the tailgate keeps working right.

Why This System Helps Everyone

This testing system helps many people:

• Truck makers know their tailgates are safe
• Truck buyers get better, safer trucks
• Workers stay safe when loading and unloading
• Companies save money by avoiding broken tailgates
  Before this system, some tailgates weren’t tested well. Now we can be sure they’ll work when needed, especially for emergency rescue fire trucks that need reliable equipment.

Real-World Uses

The system has been used to test tailgates for many types of trucks:

What We Learned

This smart testing system helps make sure the tailgates on trucks are safe and strong. It can:

• Test different types of tailgates
• Check if they move at safe speeds
• Make sure they can work many times without breaking
• Find problems before they cause accidents
  With this system, mobile medical vehicles and delivery trucks can have better, safer tailgates. This means faster work, fewer accidents, and better trucks for everyone!