Door Drive Clutch-Spindle Mechanism for Manual and Motor Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door drives for refrigerating and freezing appliances lack efficient mechanisms for moving doors in a way that balances ease of operation, cost, and mechanical simplicity, particularly in terms of torque transmission and manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A door drive system incorporating a drive motor, clutch with catch and actuation elements, and a threaded spindle that allows for both motor-driven and manual operation by utilizing a clutch that transitions between coupling and decoupling positions via actuation areas, enabling torque transmission and manual movement without additional actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven door drive system is used, then automated door operation is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch element is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits torque from the drive shaft to the threaded spindle during motor-driven operation, and simultaneously acts as a manual actuator that can be rotated by the user to open the door when decoupled. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manual actuation mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated operation capability.
2Ease of operation
If additional actuators are added for manual operation, then manual door movement is enabled, but the number of parts and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch element combines the functions of a torque transmission component and a manual actuator into a single integrated part. During motor-driven operation, it transmits torque through engagement with the catch element. During manual operation, it is directly rotated by the user to wind the threaded spindle and move the door. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuators, reducing the number of parts and overall weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple torque transmission mechanism is used, then the system is cost-effective and simple, but efficient torque transmission and controlled movement are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive shaft and the threaded spindle. It uses a simple yet effective catch element and clutch element engagement system to transmit torque efficiently during motor-driven operation. The oblique actuation areas on the clutch element provide controlled movement by converting rotational motion into linear displacement of the threaded spindle, ensuring reliable and controlled door movement without complex mechanisms.
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 system allows for efficient, cost-effective, and space-saving door operation, enabling both motor-driven and manual movement while minimizing the number of parts and weight, ensuring reliable torque transmission and easy manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded spindle (24), which is driven by the drive shaft (14) via the clutch (22) and thereby rotatable around a spindle rotational axis (26)
Data Source
AI summary
In one form, the invention relates to a door drive for a door, the door drive comprising: a drive motor, a drive shaft drivable and thereby rotatable by the drive motor, a clutch, and a threaded spindle which is drivable and thereby rotatable by the drive shaft via the clutch, wherein the clutch comprises: a catch element, an actuating element which, by rotating the drive shaft, is drivable and thereby rotatable around an actuation rotational axis by the drive shaft, the actuating element comprising at least one first actuation area, and a clutch element which comprises at least one second actuation area corresponding to the first actuation area, wherein the clutch element is translationally movable along the actuation rotational axis relative to the catch element between at least one decoupling position in which the clutch element is decoupled from the catch element, and at least one coupling position in which the clutch element is coupled to the catch element, and wherein a relative rotation between the actuating element and the clutch element, the relative rotation being effectable by rotating the drive shaft, can be converted, by means of the actuation areas, into a translational movement of the clutch element from the decoupling position into the coupling position, the translational movement taking place along the actuation rotational axis, relative to the catch element, relative to the actuating element and in the direction of the catch element.