Vehicle Cover Actuation With Integrated Locking and Ice Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging and fueling systems in vehicles require coordinated actuation of multiple functions, including unlocking and locking of covers, moving covers between positions, and illuminating compartments, while also needing to function reliably under varying weather conditions and ice buildup.
Innovation Solution
An actuating mechanism with a drive mechanism and tie or push rods operatively connected to a drive shaft, allowing coordinated control of cover movement and locking, featuring an emergency release and a discharge element for ice clearance, with a drive mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear and pivoting movements for the locking element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanism cooperates with the charging flap or refueling flap to selectively open and close the charging well or refueling well, then access to the charging port or refueling filler-neck is enabled, but the device complexity increases due to multiple coordinated functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking element and discharge element into a single integrated mechanism that performs multiple functions: locking the cover, discharging ice accumulations, and enabling manual emergency release. This merging of functions into one mechanism reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to coordinate multiple operations (locking, unlocking, ice discharge) through a single actuating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple purposes: it locks the cover in the closed position, acts as a discharge element for ice clearance, and provides an emergency release function when manually actuated. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various operational requirements (normal operation, ice clearance, emergency situations) without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing complexity.
2Reliability
If the locking element is configured to engage with a locking element on the charging, fueling, or service cover, then reliable locking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking element and discharge element into a single unified component that performs both locking and ice discharge functions. This merging approach maintains reliable locking engagement while eliminating the need for separate discharge mechanisms, thereby reducing overall complexity without compromising locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to perform multiple functions: securing the cover in the closed position through engagement with the cover's locking element, and serving as a discharge element that can be manually actuated to clear ice accumulations. This multi-functional design ensures reliable locking while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
3Reliability
If the mechanism operates under varying weather conditions and ice buildup, then reliability is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to additional ice clearance features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ice discharge function with the existing locking element, so that the same component used for locking also serves as the discharge element for ice clearance. This integration eliminates the need for separate ice clearance mechanisms, maintaining reliability under varying weather conditions while avoiding additional complexity from dedicated ice discharge systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to function in multiple operational modes: normal locking operation and ice discharge operation. By making the locking element universal (serving both as a locking component and a discharge component), the system can handle varying weather conditions and ice buildup reliably without requiring separate specialized mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a discharge element is provided for breaking up ice accumulations, then operation under iced conditions is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the discharge element functionality into the existing locking element structure. The locking element itself becomes the discharge element, eliminating the need for separate ice-breaking components. This integration enables operation under iced conditions while avoiding the complexity of additional dedicated discharge mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a universal component that performs both locking and ice discharge functions. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various operating conditions including ice accumulation without requiring separate specialized components, thereby enabling versatility while maintaining simplicity.
5Ease of operation
If an emergency release is provided for manual actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the emergency release functionality into the existing locking element mechanism. The same locking element that performs automated locking also serves as the discharge element for manual emergency release. This merging approach improves ease of operation by providing a simple manual release mechanism without adding the complexity of a separate emergency release system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be universal, handling both automated locking operations and manual emergency release operations. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide improved ease of operation through simple manual actuation while avoiding the complexity of dedicated emergency release mechanisms, as the existing locking structure serves both purposes.
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 reliable, coordinated actuation of multiple functions with minimal space requirements, ensuring the mechanism operates even when iced, and provides an emergency release for manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
The discharge element is configured such that, when the discharge element is transferred into its second position, the discharge element strikes against a region of the charging, fueling, or service cover provided in particular on an inner side of the charging, fueling, or service cover and in doing so moves the charging, fueling, or service cover from its closed position towards its open position
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an actuating mechanism (1) for actuating a charging, fueling, or service cover (2). The charging, fueling, or service cover (2) is reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position. The actuating mechanism (1) includes a drive for driving a drive shaft (4) and a drive mechanism associated with the drive, which is configured to tap a rotational movement of the drive shaft (4) when the drive is actuated and convert it into a first movement for manipulating a locking element (5) and into a second movement for moving, and in particular pivoting, the charging, fueling, or service cover (2). The drive mechanism associated with the drive includes a tie rod and/or push rod (6). The tie rod and/or push rod (6) are coupled to the locking element (5). The tie rod and/or push rod (6) are operatively connected to, or can be brought into operative connection with, the drive shaft (4) via a releasable engagement.