Vehicle Actuation Housing With Membrane Sealing in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation devices for vehicles face challenges in compact design and environmental sealing, particularly when mounted on exterior parts, due to complex sealing requirements and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A compact actuation device with a housing unit comprising a first and second housing section, where the second section is movable to actuate an electrical switching element, and a fluid-tight deformation area that automatically returns to its rest position, providing protection from environmental influences and allowing for a flat, compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the actuation device is designed to be compact and flat, then the installation space is reduced, but the sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first housing section includes a deformation area with a membrane structure that is elastically deformable. This membrane forms a fluid-tight seal that moves with the second housing section, eliminating the need for complex rigid sealing mechanisms while maintaining environmental protection of the switching element.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing solution uses dynamic elasticity rather than static rigid sealing. The membrane in the deformation area dynamically adapts to the movement of the second housing section, maintaining fluid-tight sealing throughout the actuation range without requiring complex sealing mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the second housing section is made movable for actuation, then the actuating capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane in the deformation area serves dual functions: it seals the housing interior and simultaneously transmits the actuation force from the second housing section to the switching element. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical linkages, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane structure automatically performs both sealing and force transmission functions without requiring additional components. The elastic deformation of the membrane itself provides the mechanical coupling needed to actuate the switching element, making the system self-sufficient.
3Force
If the housing interior extends into the deformation area, then the actuation force transmission is improved, but the sealing requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane forming the deformation area creates a fluid-tight seal that inherently transmits force through its elastic deformation. The membrane continues to provide sealing even as it deforms to transmit actuation force, combining both functions in a single structure.
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 enables a compact, reliable, and environmentally protected actuation device that simplifies sealing and reduces installation space, while maintaining effective actuation capability and protection of internal components.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-tight deformation area for elastically deforming the first housing section
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation device for mounting on a vehicle part, in particular in the form of a door or a hinged closure element, is provided. The subject actuation device includes: an electrical switch having at least one switching element for triggering a vehicle function; and a housing unit having at least a first and a second housing portion, which at least partly form a housing interior, in which the switching element is arranged, the second housing portion being movable, at least in some regions, relative to the first housing portion from an idle position into an actuation position in order to actuate the switching element. A vehicle and an actuation method are also provided.