Vehicle Actuator Spring Layout for Quiet Opening Panel Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator systems for motor vehicle opening panels, utilizing double nested springs, suffer from increased complexity and weight, leading to rattling and banging noises during the opening and closing process due to non-linear spring movements and static friction.
Innovation Solution
A single or multiple helical springs with oppositely wound sections, connected via an isolating ring, are used between the guiding pipe and spring cover tube, ensuring equal spring forces and allowing for design flexibility, to reduce noise by minimizing collisions and improving movement linearity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If double nested springs are used in the actuator, then the spring force can be increased, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one helical spring inside another concentrically, with the inner spring having a smaller diameter than the outer spring. This nested configuration allows both springs to occupy the same radial space while maintaining independent functionality, achieving increased spring force without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple helical springs (inner and outer springs) into a single integrated spring assembly that works together to provide the required force. The springs are merged within the same housing space and share common mounting points, achieving force multiplication while consolidating the overall structure
2Force
If double nested springs are used in the actuator, then the spring force can be increased, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested spring configuration allows the inner spring to be positioned within the radial space of the outer spring, eliminating the need for separate housing volumes for each spring. This spatial efficiency reduces the overall mass of the spring assembly while maintaining the cumulative force output of both springs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single heavy spring to achieve the required force, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple lighter springs working in parallel. The combined force of several thinner springs equals or exceeds that of a single thick spring, while the total weight is reduced due to the nested arrangement and shared structural support
3Ease of operation
If conventional springs are used, then the actuator can function, but rattling and banging noises occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide tubes as intermediary elements that constrain the helical springs to move only in the axial direction. The guide tubes act as mediators between the spring's natural tendency to rotate and the desired linear motion, preventing the spring from contacting the housing walls and eliminating the source of rattling and banging noises
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tubes provide preemptive constraint on the spring movement, preventing unwanted lateral displacement and rotation before they can occur. By establishing the correct motion path in advance through the guide tube geometry, the system avoids the development of oscillations and impacts that would generate noise during operation
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 effectively reduces noise by ensuring linear movement and minimizing collisions between springs and other actuator components, enhancing the overall operation of the actuator system.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring in the housing surrounded by a second spring for biasing the rod member to one of an extended or retracted position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Actuator extending along an axis A and configured to be connected to a body of a motor vehicle and to an opening panel, said spindle comprising co-axially a guiding pipe 3, a spring cover tube 2, and a helical spring 4 radially located between the guiding pipe 3 and the spring cover tube 2, the Actuator being movably mounted between a closed position in which the helical spring 4 is compressed, and an open position in which the helical spring 4 is at least partially relaxed. The helical compression spring comprising at least a first right hand wound section 4a and a second left hand wound section 4b.