Vehicle Flap Spindle Drive with Dual-Axis Nut Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for vehicle flaps require large installation spaces due to complex spindle nut designs and inadequate bearing assemblies, leading to insufficient support and potential damage from excessive axial loads.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a compact design featuring a spindle nut supported by a bearing assembly allowing rotation around two perpendicular axes, coupled with a clutch assembly to decouple from excessive loads, and a coupling assembly for reliable force transmission and misalignment compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex spindle nut design is used to support rotation around two perpendicular axes, then the bearing capacity and reliability are improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is segmented into a first bearing element supporting rotation around the first rotation axis and a second bearing element supporting rotation around the second rotation axis. This segmentation allows each bearing element to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall space requirement compared to a single complex bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes two perpendicular rotation axes (first rotation axis and second rotation axis) to enable the spindle nut to compensate for misalignments in multiple dimensions. By arranging bearing elements along different axes, the system achieves enhanced reliability and misalignment compensation without requiring a large single-dimensional space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bearing assembly with two bearing elements is used to support the spindle nut, then the misalignment compensation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second bearing elements serve multiple functions: they support the spindle nut, enable rotation around perpendicular axes, and compensate for misalignments between the actuator housing and the flap. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing elements act as intermediaries between the actuator housing and the spindle nut, absorbing misalignments and enabling smooth rotational movement. This intermediary function protects the drive assembly from excessive axial loads while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Device complexity
If the spindle nut is directly supported by the actuator housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the axial load protection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing elements are introduced as intermediary components between the actuator housing and the spindle nut. These intermediaries provide the necessary support and protection against excessive axial loads while maintaining a relatively simple structure. The bearing elements absorb misalignments and prevent direct transmission of harmful loads to the drive assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing elements are pre-installed to cushion and absorb excessive axial loads before they can reach the drive assembly. This beforehand cushioning protects the spindle nut and drive assembly from damage while maintaining a simple overall structure without requiring complex protection mechanisms.
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 solution provides a more flexible and compact drive device that effectively supports the spindle nut, reduces installation space, and protects the drive assembly from damage by decoupling under excessive loads, ensuring reliable operation and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing assembly comprising a first bearing element and a second bearing element which allow the spindle nut to rotate around a first rotation axis and around a second rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
the coupling assembly comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element which enclose a clutch assembly
Implementation Method 3
A worm wheel is connected to an end of a driving shaft of the drive assembly, wherein the worm wheel engages with an outer thread of the spindle nut for coupling the drive assembly to the actuator assembly
Implementation Method 4
the actuator assembly comprises a spindle extending through the actuator housing defining a spindle axis and a spindle nut, wherein the spindle extends through and engages with the spindle nut
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device, particularly for driving a flap, comprising an actuator housing (2) with an open cavity (7), wherein the actuator housing (2) is connectable to one of a flap and a vehicle body, an actuator assembly (8) enclosed at least in part by the actuator housing (2), wherein the actuator assembly (8) comprises a spindle (9) extending through the actuator housing (2) and defining a spindle axis (S), wherein the spindle (9) is connectable to the other one of the door and the vehicle body, and a spindle nut (10), wherein the spindle (9) extends through and engages with the spindle nut (10), a drive assembly (6) to drive the actuator assembly (8), and a bearing assembly (11), which bearing assembly (11) comprises a first bearing element (12) which allows the spindle nut (10) to rotate around a first rotation axis (X) and around a second rotation axis (Y), wherein the first rotation axis (X) and the second rotation axis (Y) are perpendicular to each other and the spindle axis (S). It is the object of the invention to provide a drive device that is more flexible in terms of use in any kinematic of a door and has a compact size. The object is achieved by a drive device characterised in that a first end (10a) of the spindle nut (10) is connected to the first bearing element (12), and that an outer surface (12a) of the first bearing element (12) facing away from the spindle nut (10) slidingly abuts against an inner wall (7a) of the open cavity (7).