Flip Cover Actuation via Gear and Eccentric Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flip cover assemblies for vehicle refueling or charging ports lack an efficient and economical mechanism for actuating the opening, closing, and locking of the covers, often requiring manual operation and complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A flip cover actuation structure comprising a gear and eccentric device driven by a motor, which rotates to mesh with a rocker for opening and closing the cover, and an eccentric device that interacts with a locking rod to lock and release the cover, allowing for automatic operation with a single power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex control system with multiple power sources is used to actuate the flip cover, then the reliability of opening, closing, and locking functions is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (opening, closing, and locking) into a single integrated actuation system. The driving device includes a gear that engages with a rocker for opening/closing and an eccentric device that interacts with a locking rod for locking, all driven by one power source. This merging of functions reduces the number of power sources and control systems while maintaining reliable operation of all three functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power source is designed to perform multiple functions through different mechanical mechanisms. The driving device can switch between driving the rocker for cover movement and driving the locking rod for locking/unlocking, making one power source universal for all actuation needs. This eliminates the requirement for separate power sources for each function.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to open and close the flip cover, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and automation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic operation where the cover opens, closes, and locks without manual intervention. The single power source automatically actuates both the opening/closing mechanism and the locking mechanism through the driving device, eliminating the need for manual operation while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If multiple power sources are used to drive opening, closing, and locking separately, then the ease of operation is improved, but the assembly space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation of opening, closing, and locking functions into a single compact driving device. The gear and eccentric device share a common power source and are integrated within a limited space, significantly reducing the assembly space compared to having separate power sources and control systems for each function.
4Productivity
If a simple mechanical mechanism is used for actuation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and efficiency of cover actuation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses dynamic elements including a rotating gear that engages with the rocker and an eccentric device that converts rotational motion into the required locking/unlocking motion. These dynamic components enable efficient and rapid actuation of the cover and locking mechanism, improving productivity while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
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
Enables automatic and efficient opening, closing, and locking of the flip cover with reduced assembly space and simplified control logic, eliminating the need for manual operation and minimizing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The gear is configured to drive the rocker. A part of an outer circumference of the gear can mesh with the rocker, and the other part does not mesh with the rocker.
Implementation Method 2
the eccentric device is configured to drive the locking device... the eccentric device has a working portion, and the working portion is configured to be capable of pushing the locking rod to move from a locked position to a released position or pulling the locking rod to move from the released position to the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A flip cover actuation structure for actuating a flip cover includes a locking device, a rocker, and a driving device. The locking device locks and releases the flip cover. The rocker drives the flip cover to open and close. The driving device comprises a gear and an eccentric device. The driving device is configured to rotate the gear and the eccentric device. The gear drives the rocker. The eccentric device drives the locking device.