Vehicle Closure Drive End Stop With Integrated Impact Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spindle drives for motor vehicle closure elements require complex assembly due to separate damping components, and there is a need for improved operational safety during improper use scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a plastically deformable damping element as an axially fixed, radially outwardly facing projection of a train component within the drive section, eliminating the need for separate stop nuts and simplifying assembly, while providing damping only in improper use situations to prevent material damage or injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate stop nuts and damping components are used in the spindle drive, then operational safety is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element is integrated directly into the train component as an axially fixed, radially outwardly facing projection, eliminating the need for separate stop nuts and damping components. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining the damping function for operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The train component is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, transmits drive forces, and includes an integrated damping projection that absorbs impact energy. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated damping components while maintaining operational safety.
2Ease of manufacture
If a plastically deformable damping element is integrated into the train component, then assembly is simplified, but damping capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The train component features a localized radially outwardly facing projection specifically designed with plastically deformable material properties. This local modification provides targeted damping capability at the impact point while maintaining the overall structural integrity and strength of the train component.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping projection is designed with specific material parameters and geometric dimensions that enable controlled plastic deformation. By adjusting the material properties, projection geometry, and positioning, the damping capability is optimized to provide sufficient energy absorption during impact while maintaining assembly simplicity.
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 solution results in a simpler construction and enhanced safety by ensuring damping occurs only under excessive force conditions, reducing assembly complexity and protecting against substantial damage or injury.
Implementation Method 1
a damping element which, during the drive movement, is plastically deformable by an axial impact of the end stop faces on each other or on an intermediate element
Data Source
AI summary
Drive apparatus for a closure element of a vehicle. The drive apparatus has a drive train with two drive sections, each having a drive connection. The drive sections are linearly movable with respect to each other in order to generate linear drive movements between the drive connections along a geometric axis between a retracted position and an extended position. An end stop is provided to limit the drive movement between the drive connections to the extended position, wherein the end stop has end stop faces movable toward each other on the drive sections and a damping device which, during a drive movement into the end stop, damps the drive movement in a manner which is dependent on its speed. The damping device has a damping element which, during the drive movement, is deformable by an axial impact of the end stop faces on each other or on an intermediate element.