Flip Cover Actuation Assembly With Gear Locking for Closed Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refueling or charging port flip cover assemblies for vehicles lack an effective actuation mechanism to reliably control the movement and locking of the flip cover, leading to issues with maintaining the closed position during vehicle movement or external forces.
Innovation Solution
An actuation assembly comprising a locking means, a flip cover rotating shaft, a transmission gear, and a drive gear, where the drive gear and transmission gear are meshed to synchronize rotation and control the locking means, ensuring the flip cover remains closed by restricting rotation during the locking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking means is added to control the flip cover, then the reliability of maintaining closed position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A transmission gear is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive gear and the flip cover rotating shaft. The transmission gear includes a receiving portion that can be rotatably engaged or disengaged from the fitting portion of the rotating shaft, mediating the power transmission and enabling the locking function without directly complicating the connection between the drive mechanism and the flip cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation assembly is segmented into functionally independent components: the drive gear for initiating motion, the transmission gear for power transmission and engagement control, and the locking means for securing the closed position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability.
2Ease of operation
If the receiving portion can be rotatably engaged or disengaged from the fitting portion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission gear's receiving portion is designed to be automatically engaged or disengaged from the fitting portion based on the operational state. During normal operation, the drive gear automatically drives the transmission gear into engagement with the rotating shaft. When locking is required, the system automatically disengages the receiving portion from the fitting portion, eliminating the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation despite the added mechanical complexity.
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 actuation assembly effectively locks and releases the flip cover, maintaining its closed position even under external forces or vehicle movement, enhancing the reliability of the refueling or charging port cover mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the drive gear and the transmission gear are configured to be meshed with each other, and the transmission gear is installed around the flip cover rotating shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation assembly for a refueling port or charging port flip cover assembly is rotatably mounted on a base and includes a locking means, a flip cover rotating shaft, a transmission gear, a drive gear and a drive member. The locking means is movably disposed on the base and configured to lock or release a flip cover. The flip cover rotating shaft is configured to rotate the flip cover and includes a fitting portion. The transmission gear includes a receiving portion and is installed around the fitting portion. The drive gear and the drive member are configured to synchronously rotate. The drive gear is meshed with the transmission gear and the drive member is configured to drive the locking means. In moving the locking means from a release position to a locking position, the drive gear blocks the rotation of the transmission gear and prevents the flip cover from opening.