Actuating Device Connecting Unit Positioning for Vehicle Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adjusting devices for vehicle parts, such as doors and flaps, require complex adapter constructions due to mismatched connection points, leading to increased costs and space usage.
Innovation Solution
The adjusting device positions one connecting unit at the end of the drive assembly where it interacts with the actuating element, allowing for a shorter distance between connecting units and eliminating the need for additional support plates by integrating the connection unit with the drive assembly, either through a skewed or intersecting pivot axis design, and can be designed as a spindle or hydraulic/pneumatic drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If connecting units are arranged at the free ends of the actuating element and drive assembly, then the actuator can cover a larger adjustment range, but the distance between connecting units increases requiring additional adapter components
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is divided into a functional portion and a connecting unit portion. The connecting unit is separated from the main actuating element body, allowing it to be positioned independently at the drive assembly end while the functional portion maintains the adjustment range. This segmentation enables the connecting unit to serve dual purposes: providing connection functionality and reducing overall device length.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting unit is positioned in a different spatial arrangement along the actuating element's length. By placing one connecting unit at the drive assembly end rather than at the free end, the patent changes the dimensional distribution of connection points, reducing the distance between connecting units while maintaining the necessary adjustment range through the functional portion of the actuating element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional adapter components like support plates are used to match connection points, then the actuator can adapt to different vehicle body specifications, but the installation space and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a connection interface and as a structural element that can be positioned to match various vehicle body pivot points. By making the connecting unit adjustable or configurable in its position along the actuating element, a single design can adapt to different vehicle specifications without requiring additional adapter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the connecting unit along the actuating element can be varied to match different vehicle body specifications. By changing the positional parameter of the connecting unit rather than adding components, the actuator achieves adaptability to different installation scenarios while minimizing installation space requirements.
3Device complexity
If the connecting unit is integrated with the drive assembly through material bonding or integral formation, then additional connecting elements are eliminated, but the drive assembly deformation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit is merged with the drive assembly through material bonding or integral formation, eliminating the need for separate connecting elements. This merging reduces device complexity and the number of parts. To address deformation concerns, the design ensures that the connecting unit's integration method maintains structural integrity and distributes loads appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of the connecting unit with the drive assembly may utilize composite construction methods or material combinations that provide both strong bonding and deformation resistance. By using appropriate material combinations and bonding techniques, the integrated structure achieves both the simplification of eliminating separate connectors and the strength required to prevent drive assembly deformation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an actuating device (12) for a vehicle part (18) movable relative to the body (16) of a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle door or a vehicle flap, comprising a drive assembly (22) with a drive unit (23) and with a connecting unit (28) for connecting the drive assembly (22) to a superior assembly, i.e., not belonging to the actuating device (12), namely either the body (16) of the vehicle or the movable vehicle part (18), an actuating element (24) which can be displaced relative to the drive assembly (22) by means of the drive unit (23) and which comprises at its free end a further connecting unit (26) for connecting the actuating element (24 ...a component not belonging to the actuating device, namely either the movable part of the vehicle (18) or the body (16) of the vehicle, characterized in that the connecting unit (28) is connected to the drive assembly (22) at a location away from the free end of the drive assembly (22).