Charging Flap Locking Mechanism With Synchronized Push Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for vehicle charging, fueling, or service flaps require significant construction space and fail to coordinate multiple functions reliably, especially under adverse weather conditions such as icing.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a synchronized flap lock and pushing element connected to a common transfer shaft, allowing coordinated unlocking and pushing of the flap, integrated with an actuating mechanism that includes a drive and kinematics to ensure reliable operation even in icy conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking device with separate locking mechanism and pushing mechanism is used, then the reliability of coordinated operation is improved, but the construction space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of coordinated operationVSAvoidconstruction space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the locking mechanism and pushing mechanism into a single integrated locking device that shares common components. The flap lock and pushing element are connected to the same transfer shaft, allowing both functions to be actuated by a single drive mechanism. This merging reduces the overall construction space while maintaining reliable coordinated operation through mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as both the locking shaft for actuating the flap lock and the pushing shaft for actuating the pushing element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shafts and reduces the number of components, thereby reducing construction space requirements while ensuring reliable coordination of both locking and pushing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of stationary object

If a compact locking device design is used, then the construction space requirement is reduced, but the reliability of coordinated operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction space requirementVSAvoidreliability of coordinated operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pushing element is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically push the charging flap open as soon as the locking engagement is released. This preliminary positioning ensures that the pushing action immediately follows the unlocking action, maintaining reliable coordinated operation even in the compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple separate actuators are used for unlocking and pushing functions, then the coordination of multiple functions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination of multiple functionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the flap lock and pushing element are connected to separate shafts, then the functional independence is improved, but the space requirement and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While sharing a common transfer shaft, the locking mechanism and pushing mechanism are functionally segmented through their distinct connection points and mechanical pathways. The flap lock engages with the locking element on the charging flap, while the pushing element acts on the charging flap from a different position. This segmentation maintains functional independence while reducing space requirements through the shared shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12546148B2Locking device for locking charging, fueling, or service flaps

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A locking device enables locking a charging, fueling, or service flap on a compartment. The flap is reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position. The locking device includes a flap lock for locking the flap in its closed position. The flap lock has a locking position, in which the flap lock locks the flap, and a release position in which the flap is moveable in relation to the flap lock. A first transfer shaft is connected to the flap lock such that the flap lock is moveable by a movement of the first transfer shaft between the locking position and the release position. A pushing element is connected to the first transfer shaft and configured so as to push the flap out of its closed position away from the charging compartment after the flap lock is transferred into its release position.