Actuator with retractable spindle and flexible membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle actuators face challenges in minimizing installation space while ensuring protection against dust and moisture, and they often fail to provide reliable emergency unlocking mechanisms, especially when electrical or electronic systems are faulty.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design features a drive wheel with an external thread and a retractable spindle, a manual emergency release lever, and a sealing system that includes a stationary sealing ring and a flexible membrane for pressure equalization, allowing for compact installation and reliable operation even in faulty electrical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an independent component with internal thread and retractable bolt is used, then the actuator can lock components effectively, but additional installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The drive wheel is integrated directly with the spindle, eliminating the need for a separate independent component with internal threading. The external thread on the spindle engages directly with the drive wheel, merging two previously separate components into one unified structure, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining locking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle serves multiple functions: it acts as both the driving element (with external thread engaging the drive wheel) and the locking element (with retractable bolt). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall installation space while preserving effective locking capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the actuator housing is sealed to protect against dust and moisture, then component protection is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is used to seal the housing opening where the spindle protrudes. This flexible film provides effective dust and moisture protection while maintaining a relatively simple structure, avoiding the need for complex multi-layer sealing systems or bellows mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing ring acts as an intermediary element between the rigid housing and the flexible membrane, providing a simple yet effective sealing interface. This intermediary component enables dust and moisture protection without requiring complex integrated sealing structures
3Extent of automation
If an electric motor is used to drive the spindle, then automated locking is achieved, but the system fails when electrical systems are faulty
Solution Approach 1:
The manual emergency release lever is designed to be self-contained and independent of the electrical system. It directly mechanically engages the spindle to retract the bolt, allowing the system to service itself (unlock) without electrical power, ensuring reliability under electrical fault conditions while maintaining automated locking capability through the electric motor under normal conditions
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
This design reduces installation space, provides effective protection against dust and moisture, and ensures reliable unlocking mechanisms, enabling continued vehicle operation even with faulty electrical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane (3c) made of stretchable material, which causes pressure equalization between the interior space formed by the housing (3a, 3b) and the exterior
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor (13) that can be connected to an external power source (1), wherein the drive wheel (11) can be rotated by the shaft (12) with the aid of the electric motor (13)
Implementation Method 3
The actuator (1) includes a spindle (10) with an external thread, which extends at least partially through the housing (3a, 3b) in a retractable manner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an actuating drive for a motor vehicle. It is an object of the invention to provide a further developed actuating drive. It is sought in particular for the actuating drive, in one embodiment, to have a small installation space and/or to be protected against the infiltration of dust and moisture. To achieve the object, the actuating drive comprises a drive, for example an electric motor for a drive wheel with an internal thread. The external thread of a spindle extends into the internal thread. By correspondingly rotating the wheel, an end of the spindle can be moved out of a housing of the actuating drive proceeding from a retracted state. Proceeding from the deployed state, the end of the spindle can be moved in the direction of the housing by correspondingly rotating the wheel in the opposite direction. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the actuating drive comprises an emergency unlocking device.