Vehicle Flap Closure with Position Detection and Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle refueling or charging port flaps often fail to ensure proper closure due to issues like foreign matter obstruction or insufficient rigidity, leading to incomplete sealing and potential damage during manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a position detector, such as a Hall sensor or position switch, to verify the flap's closed position before locking, and a mechanism to reverse the flap's movement if it doesn't reach the closed position, ensuring accurate closure and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flap is manually closed without position detection, then the closing operation is simple, but the flap may not reach the closed position due to foreign matter obstruction or insufficient rigidity, leading to incomplete sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the flap's closed position using a position detector before final locking occurs. This preliminary action ensures the flap has reached the correct position, preventing incomplete sealing while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The position detector provides feedback signals to the control unit about the flap's position. This feedback mechanism enables the system to verify closure and make adjustments if needed, improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If the flap driving mechanism continues to drive the flap to the closed position without detection, then the operation is fast, but it may cause damage to components due to foreign matter obstruction or insufficient rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The position detector performs preliminary detection before the locking mechanism engages. This preliminary check prevents component damage by identifying issues like foreign matter obstruction before they cause harm, while minimizing time loss through automated detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from the position detector and can stop or reverse the driving mechanism if the closed position is not achieved. This feedback loop protects components from damage while maintaining efficient operation by only intervening when necessary.
3Measurement precision
If a position detector is added to verify closed position, then closure accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a Hall sensor or position switch (electromagnetic/electronic components) to replace complex mechanical position detection mechanisms. This substitution provides accurate position detection while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple and reliable.
4Reliability
If the flap driving mechanism reverses movement when closed position is not reached, then component damage is prevented, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from the position detector to determine whether to reverse the driving mechanism. This feedback-controlled reversal only occurs when necessary (when the closed position is not reached), protecting components while minimizing additional operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving mechanism operates in periodic cycles: forward motion to close the flap, detection pause to check position, and conditional reversal if needed. This periodic operation pattern balances component protection with efficient time usage by not continuously reversing.
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
Ensures the flap is securely locked in the closed position, preventing incomplete sealing and damage during manual operation, while avoiding manual force that could cause harm to components.
Implementation Method 1
A Hall sensor or position switch may be used as the position detector
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a method for closing and locking a flap. The method comprises steps: (S1) driving a flap driving mechanism (132) to move by a predetermined stroke, the predetermined stroke enabling a locking end (192) of the flap (190) to reach a locking-end closed position; (S2) detecting that the locking end (192) of the flap (190) does not reach the locking-end closed position; and (S3) driving the flap driving mechanism (132) to move reversely, so as to drive the flap (190) to move back toward an open position.