Integrated Flap Locking Drive for Compact Automatic Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive and locking systems for flaps or doors in vehicles and industrial applications are often bulky, costly, and require separate actuators for adjustment and locking, which is inefficient in terms of space and weight, especially in automotive applications where safety and cost are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A compact drive and locking system that integrates an electric motor actuating drive with a mechanically coupled locking mechanism, using a flexible or rigid member to adjust and lock the flap or door, and includes a braking system with elastically deformable elements and a disengagement system for manual operation, allowing for automatic locking and unlocking without user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated actuator is used for the locking system, then the locking function is reliable and secure, but the system requires relatively much space and generates high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism with the actuating drive for the flap or door. The locking device is mechanically coupled to the output of the actuating drive, allowing a single actuator to perform both adjustment and locking functions. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated actuator for locking, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining reliable locking functionality through the integrated mechanical coupling and locking members.
2Reliability
If a dedicated actuator is used for the locking system, then the locking function is reliable and secure, but the system generates high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking system with the actuating drive into a single integrated unit. By using one actuator to control both the flap/door adjustment and the locking mechanism, the system reduces component count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers overall system cost while maintaining secure locking through the integrated locking members and mechanical coupling.
3Device complexity
If a compact integrated system is used, then space and weight are reduced, but the system must reliably provide both adjustment and locking functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated system into distinct functional components: the actuating drive for adjustment, the locking device with locking members for securing, and the mechanical coupling for transmission. This segmentation within integration allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining a compact overall structure, ensuring both adjustment and locking functionalities are independently reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating drive is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it adjusts the flap or door position and simultaneously controls the locking mechanism through mechanical coupling. This multi-functionality ensures that a single compact component reliably provides both adjustment and locking capabilities without requiring separate dedicated actuators.
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 provides a cost-effective, lightweight, and reliable solution for flaps or doors by integrating the actuating drive with the locking mechanism, reducing space requirements and enabling automatic locking and unlocking, while also allowing for manual operation through a disengagement mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The elastically deformable element can comprise at least one sheet made of spring steel
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive and locking system (1) for a flap (3) or door comprising an actuating drive (5) for adjusting the flap (3) or door, wherein the actuating drive (5) comprises an electric motor and an output for conveying a torque; and a locking device (41), wherein both the flap (3) or door and the locking device (41) are mechanically coupled to the output of the actuating drive(5) and are adjustable by it; wherein the locking device (41) comprises a first locking member (65), which is adjust-ably arranged on a fixed frame of the flap (3) or door and interacts with it for locking the flap (3) or door. The first locking member (65) and the flap (3) or door are engaged when the flap (3) or door is in a closed state and the first locking member (65) is mechanically coupled to the output of the actuating drive (5) and adjustable by it, so that the locking device (41) is unlocked when the flap (3) or door is being opened by the actuating drive (5).