Electric Support Rod Nested Tube Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electric support rods for car tailgates are difficult to assemble due to the long outer tube and the bearing's complex fitting requirements, which complicates the integration of the telescopic pole and electric motor.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a driving assembly with a first outer tube and a transmission screw rod within a second outer tube, featuring elastic arms with external threads and a hook portion to securely engage the bearing, allowing for preassembly of components and easy connection between the tubes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the outer tube is made relatively long to accommodate the telescopic pole and electric motor, then the electric support rod can achieve the required functional length, but the bearing becomes difficult to assemble due to limited access and space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveouter tube lengthVSAvoidbearing assembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The outer tube is divided into two separate tubes that are connected through threading. The first tube accommodates the electric motor, while the second tube accommodates the telescopic pole and bearing. This segmentation allows the bearing to be assembled in the second tube independently, avoiding the space constraints of a single long tube.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first tube is inserted into the second tube, with the first engaging end fitted into the second engaging end. The tubes are connected through threading between the internal thread on the first tube and the outer thread structure on the second tube. This nested configuration maintains the required overall length while enabling separate assembly of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the bearing is required to be tightly fitted with both the screw rod and the outer tube, then the bearing provides stable support, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing fit stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly is separated into two independent fitting locations: one at the screw rod end and another at the outer tube end. The bearing is first assembled on the screw rod, then the entire bearing-screw rod assembly is installed in the second tube, where the bearing's outer edge is fitted to the inner wall of the second tube. This segmentation simplifies the assembly process compared to fitting the bearing simultaneously at both ends of a single long tube.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the electric support rod uses a single integrated outer tube design, then the structure is simpler, but the assembly and disassembly of components become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The outer tube is segmented into two separate tubes that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The first tube contains the electric motor, while the second tube contains the telescopic pole and bearing. The tubes are connected through a threaded interface that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, facilitating maintenance and component replacement while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design simplifies the assembly process by enabling preassembly of the driving unit, telescopic set, and bearing, ensuring secure engagement and power connection, thereby streamlining the installation of the electric support rod.

Implementation Method 1

an internal thread is arranged on an inner surface of the first engaging end... an outer thread structure is arranged on the external surface... The second engaging end is inserted in the first engaging end, the internal thread is screwed with the outer thread structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a hook portion is disposed protrusively from the internal surface... the hook portion latches an outer edge of the bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4209653B1Electric supporting rod
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 HSIN CHONG MACHINERY WORKS
  • EP4209653B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4209653B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4209653B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This disclosure is directed to an electric support rod having a driving assembly (100), an actuating assembly (200), and a bearing (300). The driving assembly (100) has a first outer tube (110) and a driving unit (130) in the first outer tube (110). An internal thread (112) is configured in the first outer tube (110). The actuating assembly (200) has a second outer tube (210) and a transmission screw rod (230) in the second outer tube (210). Multiple elastic arms (220) axially are extended from the second outer tube (210) and arranged spacedly around the transmission screw rod (230). Each elastic arm (220) has an outer thread structure (222) and a hook portion (223). The second outer tube (210) is inserted in the first outer tube (110), the internal thread (112) is screwed with the outer thread structure (222). One end of the transmission screw rod (230) protrudes from the second outer tube (210) to engage the driving unit (130). The bearing (300) sheathes the transmission screw rod (230) and the hook portion (223) latches the bearing (300).