Vehicle Actuator Control for Self-Locking Without Efficiency Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for motor vehicle components, such as parking brakes and rear spoilers, suffer from low efficiency, high maintenance requirements, and are often bulky and costly.
Innovation Solution
The proposed actuator design incorporates a non-self-locking drive gear driven by a motor, an escapement unit with a self-locking gear mechanism, and a control unit that allows asynchronous operation of the motors to prevent blockages and optimize efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-locking worm gear is used in the drive train, then the actuator achieves reliable self-locking function, but the efficiency becomes very low
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into two independent drive trains: a non-self-locking drive train for primary actuation and a self-locking escapement drive train for security. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between self-locking reliability and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The escapement gear acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides self-locking functionality without requiring the main drive train to be self-locking. The escapement mechanism engages only when needed for holding position, allowing the primary drive to operate efficiently while still achieving reliable self-locking through the escapement intermediary.
2Reliability
If a self-locking mechanism is implemented in the actuator, then safety is improved, but the actuator becomes more complex and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The escapement mechanism is designed to engage and disengage automatically based on the drive train's operation, without requiring external control or intervention. This self-service capability reduces control complexity while maintaining safety, as the self-locking function activates only when the drive motor is not energized.
Solution Approach 2:
The escapement mechanism transitions between engaged and disengaged states dynamically based on operational conditions. The self-locking function is not continuously active but engages only when needed, reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements while preserving safety during critical holding periods.
3Volume of stationary object
If the escapement motor is designed to be small and low-power, then the actuator volume and manufacturing costs are reduced, but the risk of blockage in the escapement gear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements preliminary anti-action by detecting potential blockage conditions and reversing the escapement motor's rotation direction before a blockage can occur. This preventive measure allows the use of a small, low-power escapement motor while mitigating the increased blockage risk through proactive control intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the escapement motor's operation and provides feedback control by reversing rotation direction when blockage is detected. This feedback mechanism enables reliable operation of a compact escapement motor by continuously adjusting its operation based on real-time conditions, preventing blockages despite the motor's limited power.
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 enhances efficiency, reduces maintenance needs, and minimizes the actuator's size and production costs, while ensuring reliable operation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an escapement unit (12) for inhibiting the drive train (2). The escapement unit (12) comprises a self-locking escapement gear (15)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (1) for an electrical component of a motor vehicle, having a drive train (2) comprising a drive gear (5) and a drive motor (3) for driving the drive gear (5), having an escapement unit (12) for escaping the drive train (2), which comprises a self-locking escapement gear (15) operatively connected to the drive gear (5) and an escapement motor (13) for driving the escapement gear (15), and having a control unit (29) for controlling the drive motor (3) and the escapement motor (13). According to the invention, the control unit (29) is designed such that the drive motor (3) and the escapement motor (13) can be operated asynchronously and/or with a time offset, particularly in a starting mode.