Compartment Actuator With Eccentric Groove for Automatic Cinching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compartment doors in vehicles require purely manual operation for closing, limiting design freedom and not providing an automatic cinching mechanism, which reduces the value impression.
Innovation Solution
A compartment actuator system comprising a motor-driven gear with an eccentric groove and a pawl that translates inwardly as the gear rotates, allowing for automatic cinching of the compartment door from a partially closed to a fully closed position, utilizing a switch to communicate with the motor and activate the closing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a purely manual operation is used for closing compartment doors, then the structure remains simple, but the design freedom is limited and the value impression is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system. A motor-driven actuator with an eccentric groove mechanism automatically cinches the compartment door closed, eliminating the need for manual closing effort while maintaining reliable mechanical engagement through the pawl-groove interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system performs the closing action autonomously once activated. The motor-driven gear with eccentric groove automatically translates the pawl inward to cinch the door closed without requiring user intervention during the cinching process, allowing the system to serve itself in completing the closure operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an automatic cinching mechanism is implemented, then design freedom and value impression are increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system serves multiple functions: it provides automatic cinching force, maintains door closure, and can be integrated with various compartment designs. The motor-driven mechanism with eccentric groove is a universal solution that can be adapted to different door sizes and configurations, enhancing design freedom across multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric eccentric groove in the drive gear, where the groove is offset from the center of rotation. This asymmetric geometry creates the translating motion of the pawl during rotation, enabling the cinching action. The asymmetric design is crucial for converting rotational motor motion into the linear translating force needed for door closure.
3Reliability
If the pawl translates inwardly up to 20 mm during gear rotation, then secure closure is achieved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric groove in the drive gear utilizes curved geometry to guide the pawl's translating motion. The curved path of the groove ensures smooth inward translation of the pawl (up to 20 mm) during gear rotation, maintaining reliable engagement while reducing mechanical stress. The curved design provides progressive force application for secure closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the motor, the drive gear with eccentric groove, and the pawl. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the motor provides rotational force, the eccentric groove converts rotation to translation, and the pawl delivers the cinching action - thereby achieving reliable closure through functional decomposition.
Data Source
AI summary
A compartment actuator (20) includes a motor (22) and a drive gear (32) driven by the motor (22) about an axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The drive gear (32) has a groove (36) formed therein and the groove (36) is eccentric about the axis of rotation.