Automated Charging Port Lid Lock via Worm Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel and electricity charging port lids require manual manipulation for opening and closing, necessitating operators to exit the vehicle, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A lid lock system featuring an elevating shaft with an exterior thread, a worm gear, and a motor-driven worm, allowing the lid to be automatically opened and closed through a combination of axial movement and rotation, controlled by a central vehicle system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of the lid lock is used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates as operators must exit the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system. A motor drives a worm gear that rotates the elevating shaft, which then automatically performs the lid opening/closing actions through its coupled rotational and axial movements, eliminating the need for manual external manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevating shaft is designed to automatically perform both rotation and axial movement to open or close the lid without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by integrating the driving mechanism within the shaft structure, allowing automated operation through electrical signals.
2Ease of operation
If the lid lock is disposed at the exterior of the vehicle body, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation worsens as operators must get out of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation requiring operators to exit the vehicle is replaced by an automated motor-driven system. The motor can be controlled from inside the vehicle, substituting the need for external manual manipulation and eliminating the time loss associated with exiting and returning to the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the lid opening or closing action automatically through the motor-driven elevating shaft mechanism, preparing and executing the operation without requiring operators to physically approach and manually manipulate the external lock, thus saving time and improving convenience.
3Ease of operation
If automatic opening and closing is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevating shaft serves multiple functions: it rotates to drive the lid open or closed, and simultaneously performs axial movement to control the opening/closing action. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated component, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and minimizing overall system complexity despite the automated capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rotation drive mechanism and the axial movement mechanism into a single elevating shaft structure. The worm gear provides rotation while the threaded engagement with the elevating shaft converts this rotation into axial movement, combining two essential motions in one integrated component rather than requiring separate systems.
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
Enables hands-free operation of fuel and electricity charging port lids, enhancing convenience by allowing the lid to be automatically opened and closed without manual intervention, reducing the need for operators to leave the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a worm configured to drive the worm gear, the worm being provided with helical teeth at an exterior thereof, the helical teeth being engaged with the outer gear of the worm gear
Implementation Method 2
an elevating shaft being provided with an elevating thread on an exterior wall thereof; a worm gear configured to drive the elevating shaft, the worm gear being provided with an inner thread and an outer gear, the inner thread of the worm gear being engaged with the elevating thread of the elevating shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Fuel charging or electricity charging port lid lock includes an elevating shaft provided with an elevating thread on an exterior wall thereof. The port lid lock also includes a worm gear configured to drive the elevating shaft. The worm gear is sleeved outside of the elevating shaft. The port lid lock also includes a worm configured to drive the worm gear. The elevating shaft is configured to be capable of moving up and moving down along an axial direction of the elevating shaft and rotating about the axial direction of the elevating shaft when driven by the worm. A head portion of the elevating shaft is used to drive a fuel charging or electricity charging port lid so as to control the opening and closing of the fuel charging or electricity charging port lid.