Actuator Device with Support Member for Downsizing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door opening and closing devices for vehicles are bulky and difficult to assemble, requiring large motors and multiple bearings to stabilize the rotating shaft, which increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The actuator device incorporates a meshing unit with a latch, an actuator unit with a motor, an output lever to transmit driving force, and a support member to stabilize the actuator unit, while eliminating the need for additional bearings by using a shaft abutment projection to stabilize the rotating shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple rolling bearings and sliding bearings are provided on the rotating shaft to stabilize rotation, then vibration and noise are suppressed, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary bearings from the system. Instead of providing multiple rolling bearings and sliding bearings on the rotating shaft, the invention uses a simplified support structure with a support member that has a support surface contacting the rotating shaft. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining the stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex bearings with a simpler, more economical support structure. The support member with its support surface provides the necessary stabilization at a lower cost and with fewer components, effectively using a 'cheap' alternative to achieve the same functional goal of reducing vibration and noise.
2Weight of moving object
If a large motor is provided to open and close the heavy back door, then the door can be driven, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change through the deceleration mechanism that converts the high-speed, low-torque rotation of the motor into low-speed, high-torque rotation suitable for moving the heavy door. By adding the deceleration gear mechanism, the system can use a smaller motor while still achieving the necessary force output for door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deceleration mechanism acts as an intermediary between the motor and the door. It transfers and transforms the mechanical energy from the motor, converting rotational speed and torque characteristics to match the requirements of moving the heavy door, thereby allowing a smaller motor to suffice.
3Device complexity
If components are aligned in parallel in the front and rear direction, then the structure is simplified, but the size in the front and rear direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions components from a parallel arrangement in the front-rear direction to a different spatial configuration. The support member is arranged to extend in the left-right direction rather than the front-rear direction, and the rotating shaft is positioned to extend in the front-rear direction, creating a more compact front-rear dimension while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 allows for further downsizing of the actuator device, simplifies the assembly process, reduces costs by eliminating additional bearings, and effectively suppresses vibration and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft abutment projection to stabilize the rotating shaft
Implementation Method 2
an output lever to rotate to transmit driving force of the motor in the actuator unit to the meshing unit
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator device includes: a meshing unit configured to mesh with and release a striker, the meshing unit including a latch; an actuator unit including a motor; an output lever configured to rotate to transmit driving force of the motor in the actuator unit to the meshing unit to drive the meshing unit; and a support member both ends of which are coupled to the meshing unit, the support member being configured to support the actuator unit, wherein the output lever is separated from the support member when viewed from an approaching/separating direction of the striker with respect to the meshing unit.