Modelling and Design of a Mechatronic Actuator Chain Application to a Motorized Tailgate

Recently, several mechatronic systems are integrated in automotive applications (motorized tailgate, electrical seats...) (Su and al., 2005) (R. Juchem and B.Knorr, 2003) (Mutoh and al., 2005) (Joshi and al., 2008). The modelling of these applications needs to take into account multi-physic aspects (mechanical, electrical, control ...) in order to consider the coupling effects between these domains. However, the existing tools are not well adapted to this multi-physic modelling because they are rather mono-field, less libraries are available, modelling levels (0D-1D and 2D-3D) are generally not possible in the same tool, the mechanical and electrical aspects are not modelled with the same accuracy, high difficulties to manage multi-time scale.... The close association of some potential existing tools (G. Remy and al., 2009) appears most favorable to achieve the needed mechatronic environment. The aim of this work is to evaluate the performances of MATLAB/SIMULINK/SimPowerSys tool through a motorized tailgate application. Firstly, a description of the studied mechatronic application will be given. Secondly, different models are developed for each part (battery, dc-dc converter, electrical machine, gearbox, ball-screw and mechanical joints). In this context, dynamic, friction and losses models will be presented. Then, they are implemented and simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK/SimPowerSys tool. Simulation results in transition and steady states will be discussed. Finally, the performances of this tool will be listed and its mains advantages and disadvantages will be presented.