Dual-Thread Lead Screw Actuator for Synchronized Closure Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle window mechanisms, such as motor-driven push-pull cables and threaded screw designs, face issues like jamming, high installation and maintenance costs, and limited application to single sliding panels, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution for dual closure panel operation.
Innovation Solution
A single drive dual motion actuator assembly utilizing a double-handed lead screw with opposite threaded sections, a gear motor with a built-in hall sensor for precise control, an anti-pinching mechanism, and a brake to resist forced entry, enabling synchronized movement of two closure panels with smooth and secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motor-driven push-pull cables are used to operate rear windows, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cable-pulley mechanical system with a direct-drive lead screw mechanism. The motor directly drives the lead screw which converts rotational motion to linear motion of the closure panels, eliminating cables and pulleys that cause jamming. This substitution maintains ease of operation while significantly improving reliability by removing the problematic intermediate mechanical components.
2Reliability
If threaded screw mechanism with single-handed threads is used, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as it is restricted to only one sliding panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single lead screw into two sections with opposite thread hands (left-handed and right-handed sections). Each section independently drives one closure panel, allowing the mechanism to handle multiple panels simultaneously. This segmentation maintains the reliability of direct screw drive while achieving adaptability to operate dual closure panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric threading where one section of the lead screw has left-handed threads and the other section has right-handed threads. This asymmetry enables the single lead screw to drive two closure panels in opposite directions simultaneously, transforming a single-panel mechanism into a dual-panel system while maintaining mechanical reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable mechanisms are used for dual closure panel operation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple cables and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive functions for both closure panels into a single integrated lead screw mechanism. Instead of using separate cables and motors for each panel, one motor drives one lead screw that simultaneously controls both panels through its dual-threaded design. This merging reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple components into a single unified system while maintaining adaptability for dual panel operation.
4Device complexity
If single motor single motion actuator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates as it can only operate one closure panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a single-function actuator into a multi-functional system where one motor and one lead screw can operate both closure panels simultaneously. The lead screw's dual-threaded design enables it to perform multiple functions - driving the first panel through one thread section and the second panel through the other thread section. This universality increases productivity by enabling dual panel operation while keeping device complexity low.
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 assembly provides seamless, cost-effective operation of two closure panels with precise control, preventing jamming and pinching, and enhancing security and stability through integrated sensors and brakes.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw with two sections of opposite-handed threads to facilitate the movement of two closure panels in opposing directions
Implementation Method 2
A single drive dual motion actuator assembly where two closure panels are smoothly operated by a gear motor equipped with a built-in hall sensor, enabling precise position sensing
Implementation Method 3
Positioning a brake between the double handed lead screw and the gear motor, configured to resist forced entry (backdrive) in the open direction
Data Source
AI summary
A single drive dual motion actuator assembly comprises a double-handed threaded lead screw connected to a motor, with distinct left-handed and right-handed threaded sections. Mounted on these sections are left-hand and right-hand threaded carriers, facilitating opposite movements along the lead screw axis. Attachment to first and second female ball sockets enables connection to moving attachments affixed to respective closure panels. Activation of the motor initiates rotational movement of the lead screw, enabling coordinated opening and closing of the closure panels through the movement of the threaded carriers. The single drive dual motion actuator assembly provides efficient control over closure panels operations.