Actuation Device Remote Unlocking Flap Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation devices for movable flaps on vehicles, such as filler-neck flaps, require high spring forces to prevent unintentional opening, which reduces convenience and generates noise, and lack remote unlocking capabilities, making them cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device with a first and second actuation part, where the first part is on the flap and moves with it, and the second part is on the component, using a locking mechanism and remote unlocking drive means to release the flap from the locking position without manual push-pull action, allowing remote operation and reduced spring force usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high spring force is used to prevent unintentional opening of the flap, then the flap remains securely closed, but user convenience deteriorates and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate components: a locking element that can engage with a locking reception, and a drive means that can retract the locking element. This allows the spring force to be reduced while maintaining security through the mechanical locking engagement rather than relying solely on spring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the flap and the actuation device, providing a mechanical engagement that secures the flap in the closed position without requiring high spring force. The drive means serves as another intermediary to retract the locking element for remote unlocking.
2Reliability
If manual push-push action is required to open the flap, then the locking is secure, but the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The manual push-push mechanical action is replaced by a remote unlocking mechanism that uses drive means to retract the locking element. This substitution eliminates the need for the user to manually push the flap while maintaining secure locking through the engagement of the locking element with the locking reception.
3Ease of operation
If remote unlocking capability is added to the actuation device, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive means serves multiple functions: it can retract the locking element for remote unlocking, and it can also facilitate the engagement of the locking element during the flap closing operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Reliability
If the locking element engages automatically during flap closure, then the locking is reliable, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the locking element actively engage during flap closure, the mechanism is designed so that the locking element passively engages with the locking reception when the flap is in the closed position. The drive means then actively retracts the locking element for unlocking. This inversion simplifies the automatic locking engagement while maintaining reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides secure, convenient, and noise-free operation of movable flaps by eliminating the need for high spring forces and enabling remote unlocking, enhancing user experience and preventing accidental opening, while maintaining robustness and simplicity in design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring pretensioning the first actuation part into the locking position on the second actuation part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuation device for a flap mounted moveably on a component between a closed position and an opened position, in particular for a flap mounted moveably on a housing of an automobile, comprising: a first actuation part and a second actuation part, wherein the first actuation part is to be fastened on the flap and is moved together with the flap when the flap is moved between the closed position and the opened position, and wherein the second actuation part is to be fastened on the component, locking means with a locking reception provided on the first or second actuation part and a locking element provided on the other of first or second actuation part, wherein the locking element engages in the locking reception upon a movement of the first actuation part with the flap from its opened position into its closed position, whereby the locking element holds the first actuation part against a spring pretension in a locking position on the second actuation part, and a remote unlocking device, wherein the remote unlocking device comprises drive means, which can be actuated from a place distant from the actuation parts such that the locking element is retracted from the locking reception, whereby the first actuation part, driven by the spring pretension, disengages from the second actuation part and moves together with the flap at least partially into its opened position.