Vehicle Flap Drive With Nested Spindle Rotor for Tight Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle flap drives require large installation space, particularly in limited areas like side doors, and face challenges with visual appearance, acoustic perceptibility, and sealing against environmental influences.

Innovation Solution

The spindle drive is arranged within a rotor, connected to a motor via an adapter, with a gear system that includes a worm gear and spur gear to reduce dimensions, and incorporates an overload clutch and bearing to manage space and environmental sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a conventional spindle drive is installed in side doors, then the drive can adjust the flap, but the installation space requirement becomes excessively large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidsealing against environmental influences
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spindle drive is arranged within a rotor, which is rotatably mounted in the housing. This nested configuration allows the spindle drive components to be contained within the rotor volume, significantly reducing the overall installation space requirement while maintaining the drive's functional capabilities and sealing integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the spindle drive is arranged within a rotor, then installation space is minimized, but the complexity of the drive system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddrive system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor serves multiple functions: it acts as a containing structure for the spindle drive, provides rotational movement, and functions as part of the sealing system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing installation space without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the push tube is moved out of the rotor, then accessibility is improved, but the sealing against environmental influences is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of push tubeVSAvoidwater ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The push tube is designed to be dynamically extendable from the rotor when needed for operation or maintenance, while the rotor itself remains sealed within the housing. This dynamic configuration allows temporary accessibility without compromising the permanent sealing integrity of the rotor assembly against environmental influences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design minimizes installation space, enhances sealing against environmental factors, and provides precise control over flap movement with reduced friction and improved durability.

Implementation Method 1

the first gear stage, which is in particular a worm gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

the motor drives a second gear stage, in particular a spur gear, via the first gear stage, in particular the worm gear, which in turn drives the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear: Gear

Implementation Method 3

the spindle drive comprises a threaded spindle with a nut and a push tube and the push tube is connected to the threaded spindle via the nut, wherein the push tube is moved by a translational movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4159968B1Drive for a flap
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 MINEBEA ACCESSSOLUTIONS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4159968B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4159968B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4159968B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Drive (1) for a flap, wherein the drive (1) comprises a housing (2), a motor (3) and a spindle drive (4), wherein the motor (3) and the spindle drive (4) are connected to each other in a drive-related manner and enable a motorized adjustment of the flap, wherein the drive (1) moves the flap to at least an open position and a closed position, wherein the spindle drive (4) comprises a threaded spindle (14) with a nut (15) and a push tube (16) and the push tube (16) is connected to the threaded spindle (14) via the nut (15), wherein the push tube (16) is moved by a translational movement, wherein the spindle drive (4) is arranged inside a rotor (17) and the motor (3) drives the rotor (17), wherein the rotor (17) is connected to the threaded spindle (14).