Direct-Drive Rotary Latch Actuator for Vehicle Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for motor vehicle flap elements, such as tank flaps, face issues with malfunctions due to the use of multiple mechanical elements in the drive mechanism, leading to unreliable operation and difficulty in emergency unlocking, especially when the engine fails.
Innovation Solution
A direct motor-driven rotary bolt actuator with an emergency release unit, featuring a handle and lever accessible from outside, eliminates intermediate mechanical elements by using a gear wheel directly engaged with the rotary bolt, allowing for simple and reliable locking and unlocking, and enabling manual emergency release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a rotary latch actuated by a motor is used to lock/unlock the actuating element, then the locking mechanism is automated, but the use of intermediate mechanical elements leads to malfunctions and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate mechanical transmission elements from between the motor and the locking mechanism. The motor's drive element directly engages the rotary latch, eliminating gears, linkages, or other intermediate components that could fail. This extraction of problematic intermediate elements maintains automated locking while significantly improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple intermediate mechanical elements are used in the drive mechanism, then the actuation is transmitted to the rotary latch, but the complexity increases and malfunctions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor's drive function directly with the rotary latch engagement. Instead of separate components for motor output and latch actuation, the design integrates these functions so the motor's drive element directly engages the rotary latch. This merging eliminates intermediate mechanical elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective actuation transmission.
3Reliability
If the motor directly drives the rotary latch without intermediate elements, then the reliability is improved, but the emergency release capability must be ensured through additional design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an emergency release mechanism that acts as an intermediary system independent of the motor-driven rotary latch. This emergency release includes a manually operable element that can directly disengage the locking mechanism or motor, providing a backup path for unlocking that bypasses the automated system. This mediator ensures emergency release capability without compromising the improved reliability of the direct-drive system.
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 provides a functionally reliable actuator that can be easily unlocked manually in case of engine failure, ensuring the motor vehicle flap element can be opened, and is adaptable to different operational modes and installation scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator for a motor vehicle flap element, and in particular for a fuel filler flap of a motor vehicle, comprising a motor and an actuating element acting on the motor vehicle flap element
Implementation Method 2
the rotary latch can, according to an advantageous design, be spring-loaded in the direction of the 'locked' position of the actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The subject matter of the invention is an actuator for a motor-vehicle flap element, in particular for a tank flap (1) of a motor vehicle. The basic design of the actuator has a motor (7) and an actuating element (8) acting upon the motor-vehicle flap element. The motor-vehicle flap element is designed to be adjustable between an opening position and a closed position. There is also a twist-lock catch (9) which is acted upon by the motor (7) and serves for locking/releasing the actuating element (8). According to the invention, the motor (7) drives the twist-lock catch (9) directly.