Advancing Retreating Mechanism Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing open/close control mechanisms for fuel lids require a large size due to the arrangement of plungers and coil springs in series to manage compression forces, leading to increased dimensions in the advancing/retreating direction.
Innovation Solution
The mechanism includes an advancing/retreating member, a biasing member, a limiting member, and an advance/retreat position control mechanism, where the engaging part moves beyond a receiving seat to engage with the limiting member, allowing for restricted movement and reduced size by accommodating the biasing member within the control mechanism, eliminating the need for additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the plunger and coil spring are arranged in series to manage compression forces, then the compression force can be effectively controlled, but the size of the plunger in the advancing/retreating direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement from a linear series configuration (advancing/retreating direction) to a spatial configuration where the coil spring is positioned at the rearward side and the engaging part moves beyond the receiving seat. This dimensional reorganization allows the compression force to be controlled while reducing the length in the advancing/retreating direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging part of the plunger is designed to move beyond the receiving seat of the coil spring during retraction, creating a nested spatial relationship where the engagement path overlaps with the spring position. This allows the plunger to engage the limiting member without requiring additional linear space beyond the spring's compressed length.
2Reliability
If the plunger is restricted at a withdraw position by a locking mechanism, then the fuel lid can be prevented from opening while traveling, but the mechanism requires additional space for the locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the existing engaging part and limiting member that are already part of the compression control mechanism. The engaging part serves dual purposes: controlling the plunger's retraction position and enabling the locking function by engaging with the limiting member, thereby eliminating the need for separate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging part is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both the compression force control (by moving beyond the receiving seat) and the locking function (by engaging with the limiting member). This universal component approach reduces the overall volume required for the mechanism.
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 configuration reduces the size of the advancing/retreating movement mechanism in the advancing/retreating direction while maintaining functionality, allowing for efficient operation of the fuel lid mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member (5)；when a door of the vehicle is locked, the plunger is restricted at a withdraw position immovable in synchronization with the lock
Data Source
AI summary
An advancing/retreating movement mechanism 1 of an advancing/retreating member includes: a lifter 3; a coil spring 5; a lock pin 7 that limits the movement of the lifter 3; a case 2 that accommodates the lifter 3 and the coil spring 5; an advance/retreat position control mechanism 9 that controls an advance position, a retreat position, and a reciprocating movement of the lifter 3; and a receiving seat 11 that receives the coil spring 5 so that the lifter 3 is biased. The receiving seat 11 is arranged in a rearward position side of the lifter 3. An engaging part 27a engaging the lock pin 7 is arranged to the lifter 3. When the lifter 3 moves to the retreat position, the engaging part 27a moves to a rearward side beyond the receiving seat 11 and moves to a position where the engaging part 27a can be engaged with the lock pin 7. Therefore, the size of the advancing/retreating member in a protruding/withdrawing direction can be made small.