Cord Traction Receiver with Stop Transfer for Lightweight Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for receiving and releasing rope-like traction elements are bulky and heavy due to the need to withstand direct tensile forces, which is problematic in automotive engineering where space and weight are limited.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a receiving unit, drive unit, stop element, and counter-stop element that transfers tensile forces indirectly, allowing the receiving unit and housing to be made with less material, reducing weight and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receiving unit is designed to withstand direct tensile forces, then the device can reliably transmit power, but the size and weight of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stop element and counter-stop element as intermediary components. The stop element is connected to the traction element at a predetermined point, and the counter-stop element is connected to the higher-level assembly. When the traction element is fully unwound, the stop element contacts the counter-stop element to transfer tensile forces directly to the higher-level assembly, bypassing the receiving unit and housing. This mediator approach allows the receiving unit to be optimized for size and weight while maintaining reliable power transmission through the stop/counter-stop force transfer path.
2Reliability
If the receiving unit is designed to withstand direct tensile forces, then the device can reliably transmit power, but the housing and fastening components must be more robust, increasing material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element and counter-stop element serve as force transfer intermediaries that redirect tensile forces from the traction element directly to the higher-level assembly. This eliminates the need for the housing and fastening components to be designed as robust force-transmitting structures. The housing can be optimized for protection and guidance only, significantly reducing material consumption while maintaining reliable power transmission through the stop/counter-stop mechanism.
3Weight of stationary object
If the receiving unit is made with less material to reduce weight, then the device is optimized for space-constrained applications, but the receiving unit may not withstand direct tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stop element and counter-stop element as intermediary components. The stop element is connected to the traction element at a predetermined point, and the counter-stop element is connected to the higher-level assembly. When the traction element is fully unwound, the stop element contacts the counter-stop element to transfer tensile forces directly to the higher-level assembly, bypassing the receiving unit and housing. This mediator approach allows the receiving unit to be optimized for size and weight while maintaining reliable power transmission through the stop/counter-stop force transfer path.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission function is segmented into two independent paths: (1) the receiving unit handles winding/unwinding operations with minimal force transmission requirements, and (2) the stop element/counter-stop element path handles full tensile force transmission to the higher-level assembly. This segmentation allows the receiving unit to be lightweight while the force transmission capability is maintained through the dedicated stop/counter-stop mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for receiving and releasing a rope-like traction element (12), comprising the traction element (12), a receiving unit (18) for receiving the traction element (12), a drive unit (20) for driving the receiving unit (18), a stop element (24) which is connected to the traction element (12) at a predetermined location in a manner that is immovable at least axially with respect to a longitudinal extension of the traction element (12), and a counter-stop element (34) through which the traction element (12) is passed at least section by section and which is configured to come into contact with the stop element (24), wherein the stop element (24) is connected to the receiving unit (18) such that, after a predetermined length of traction element (12) has been released from the receiving unit (18) and passed through the counter-stop element (34),the stop element (24) comes into contact with the counter-stop element (34) in a force-transmitting manner. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding vehicle flap arrangement (42).