Vehicle Closure Compression Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle closure systems lack effective control over the compressibility of compliant members when latched, leading to uncontrolled relative movement between vehicle components, especially under varying loads such as aerodynamic downforce.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with a compression control device that includes a cam surface and actuator, allowing the compliant member to be selectively compressed into different states, controlling its compressibility and relative movement between vehicle components by engaging or disengaging with the cam follower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the compliant member is made compressible to allow relative movement between latched members, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the latched connection deteriorates under varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The compression control device transitions between fixed and movable states to dynamically adjust the compressibility of the compliant member. When engaged, it fixes the compliant member in a pre-compressed state for stability; when disengaged, it allows compression for ease of operation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compression parameter of the compliant member from a variable state to a controlled fixed state. The compression control device maintains the compliant member at a specific compression level, preventing excessive compression that would compromise stability while still allowing controlled movement for ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the compliant member maintains high compressibility for accommodating load variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the unwanted movement and instability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant member is pre-compressed to a predetermined level before the latched members are fully secured. This preliminary compression action accommodates expected load variations in advance, allowing the system to adapt to aerodynamic forces and other loads without excessive movement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression control device controls the compression parameter of the compliant member to optimize the balance between adaptability and stability. By adjusting the compression level, the system can accommodate load variations while minimizing unwanted movement between latched components.
3Device complexity
If no compression control is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control over compliant member compressibility and relative movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression control device acts as an intermediary element between the latched members and the compliant member. It provides controlled engagement with the compliant member to regulate compression, thereby improving reliability of movement control without significantly complicating the overall closure system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression control device is integrated into the existing latch mechanism, utilizing the same actuator and cam follower system already present in the closure system. This self-service approach allows the system to control compliant member compression without requiring separate complex control mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
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
The system effectively manages the compressibility of the compliant member, maintaining a controlled compressive state to limit relative movement between latched vehicle components, enhancing stability and reducing unwanted movement under load variations.
Implementation Method 1
The compression control device includes a cam surface, and one of the first member and the second member include a cam follower for engagement with the cam surface
Implementation Method 2
The compliant member maintains a certain amount of compressibility, even when the first member and the second member are latched together
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a first member and a second member moveable relative to the first member. A compliant member is compressible between the first member and the second member. A compression control device is attached to one of the first member and the second member for engaging another of the first member and the second member, or the compliant member. The compression control device is moveable between a first position and a second position. When disposed in the first position, the compression control device is not engaged with the first member, the second member, or the compliant member, and allows compression of the compliant member into a first compressive state. When disposed in the second position, the compression control device is engaged with one of the first member, the second member, or the compliant member, and is operable to compress the compliant member into a second compressive state.