Compact Forward-Backward Movement Device for Fuel Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel lid opening and closing apparatuses require a reduction in size and weight, necessitating a compact forward/backward movement device that efficiently controls the movement of a forward/backward member while maintaining the ability to open and close fuel lids effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact forward/backward movement device is designed, comprising a case, a forward/backward member, a position control mechanism, a restriction member, a drive section, and a driving-force transmission member, which allows the forward/backward member to move forward and backward while rotating relative to the case, with a restriction member that can be moved between restricted and releasing positions to control the movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with motor and securing member is used to regulate forward/backward movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motorized securing member from the case and integrates it directly onto the forward/backward member. This separation allows the case to be simpler and smaller while the forward/backward member carries the necessary locking components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the securing member and locking mechanism functionality directly onto the forward/backward member itself. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than having separate case-mounted mechanisms, the overall device size and complexity are reduced while maintaining the same reliability benefits.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with motor and securing member is used to regulate forward/backward movement, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the motorized securing mechanism from the case structure and relocating it to the forward/backward member, the patent reduces the weight of the stationary case while distributing the moving weight to the forward/backward member where it serves a functional purpose in the locking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of the securing member and motor onto the forward/backward member consolidates components that would otherwise be separate weight-bearing elements in the case, reducing overall device weight while maintaining the same reliability function.
3Volume of moving object
If the drive shaft extends in the direction of forward/backward member extension, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the drive shaft to extend in the same direction as the forward/backward member rather than perpendicular to it. This dimensional alignment allows components to be stacked or arranged linearly, reducing the overall device volume while the modular design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable through standardized component layouts.
Data Source
AI summary
In a forward/backward movement device, a forward/backward member moves so as to move forward or backward while rotating relative to the case; a restriction member is provided so as to be capable of moving between a restriction position for restricting the forward/backward member, and a release position for releasing the restriction, and restricts the forward/backward member by engaging a forward/backward member-side member in the restriction position; a drive unit is provided on the same side as is the forward/backward position control mechanism relative to the restriction member and the forward/backward member; and the drive shaft extends so as to include the direction in which the forward/backward member extends as a directional component.