Charge Port Closure with Integrated Lock and Single-Actuator Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle closure systems for fuel or charging ports require separate actuators for locking and moving the cover panel, leading to increased costs, assembly complexities, and potential mounting issues.
Innovation Solution
A single actuator-based vehicular closure system that electrically operates to both lock and move the cover panel between closed and opened positions, utilizing a detent interface mechanism between a latch and a main shaft to secure and release the panel, eliminating the need for separate locking and power movement actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuators are used for locking and moving the cover panel, then the locking function and movement function are independently controlled, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking actuator and movement actuator into a single integrated actuator unit. This actuator performs both locking and movement functions sequentially, eliminating the need for separate actuators while maintaining reliable control over the cover panel's state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both locking and movement operations. The actuator includes a drive shaft that can engage different mechanisms (latch for locking, gear for movement) to achieve different functions, making it a universal component for both operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate actuators are used for locking and moving the cover panel, then each function can be optimized independently, but the assembly complexity and mounting difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the locking and movement mechanisms into a single actuator assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and mounted. The integrated design simplifies the overall assembly process while allowing independent optimization of each functional mechanism within the unified structure.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator is used for both locking and moving the cover panel, then costs and assembly complexities are reduced, but the mechanism must perform multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed as a universal component with multi-functionality. It includes a drive shaft that can engage different mechanisms (latch for locking, gear for movement) to achieve both locking and movement functions, making the single actuator adaptable to multiple operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular closure system includes a cover panel configured to mount at a vehicle. A deployment mechanism is coupled to the cover panel and electrically operable to move the cover panel between a closed position and an opened position. When the cover panel is in the closed position, a detent interface of the vehicular closure system is engaged to prevent the cover panel from being manually moved from the closed position. When the cover panel is in the closed position, and responsive to operation of the deployment mechanism to move the cover panel from the closed position toward the opened position, the detent interface is moved out of engagement to allow for movement of the cover panel from the closed position toward the opened position. With the detent interface moved out of engagement, operation of the deployment mechanism moves the cover panel from the closed position toward the opened position.