Front Trunk Closing Valve for Pressure-Relief Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closing aids for vehicle doors and rear flaps are not suitable for front luggage compartments in electric vehicles, requiring complex constructions with electromotive actuators, increasing weight and space requirements, and lacking integration flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A closing aid with a valve assembly that activates upon sudden pressure increases to equalize pressure and facilitate closure of the luggage compartment cover, providing pressure relief and reducing rigidity for enhanced pedestrian protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional closing aids with electromotive actuators are used for front luggage compartments, then the closing function is achieved, but the weight and construction space increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electromotive actuator from the closing aid system and replaces it with a passive valve assembly that responds automatically to pressure changes. The valve assembly consists of a valve body, valve element, and spring mechanism that operate without external power, eliminating the heavy motor while maintaining the closing function through pressure-driven operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to operate autonomously based on pressure differential. When the luggage compartment cover closes and creates positive pressure, the valve automatically opens to equalize pressure, facilitating the closing operation without requiring external control or power supply. The spring-loaded valve element self-regulates based on the pressure conditions.
2Reliability
If electromotive actuators are installed in closing aids, then the closing operation is reliable, but the construction space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electromotive actuator and its associated control electronics, replacing them with a compact valve assembly that fits within the existing closing mechanism space. The valve assembly includes a valve body with an opening, a movable valve element, and a spring, all arranged in a compact configuration that requires minimal installation space compared to motor-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromechanical actuator system with a purely mechanical pressure-responsive valve system. The valve element is biased by a spring and moves in response to pressure differential across the valve opening, providing a simple mechanical solution that eliminates the need for motors, gears, and control systems.
3Strength
If the luggage compartment cover is made rigid for structural strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the pedestrian protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure equalization mechanism that dynamically responds to closing conditions. When the luggage compartment cover closes rapidly, positive pressure builds up and automatically opens the valve to equalize pressure, reducing the force resisting closure. This dynamic pressure management allows the cover to close smoothly without requiring excessive structural rigidity, enabling the use of more compliant materials that provide better pedestrian protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter within the luggage compartment by providing a controlled pressure relief path through the valve assembly. This pressure management allows the cover structure to be optimized for pedestrian safety rather than purely structural strength, as the pressure equalization prevents pressure buildup that would otherwise require a more rigid structure to resist.
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
Facilitates easy integration and simplified closure of front luggage compartments with reduced weight and space requirements, while enhancing pedestrian protection by allowing the luggage compartment cover to deform plastically or elastically, absorbing collision energy.
Implementation Method 1
the valve assembly (10) is configured to become activated, in particular in the case of a sudden or abrupt increase in pressure in the volume defined by the luggage compartment (2) and the luggage compartment cover (3) in the closed position thereof, and to enable a pressure relief between the volume defined by the luggage compartment (2) and the luggage compartment cover (3) in the closed position thereof and the external atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a closing aid for a luggage compartment (2) located at the front of a vehicle (1). The compartment can be sealed—at least partly or almost completely—from the outside air. The closing aid includes a valve system (10) that activates if there's a sudden increase in pressure inside the closed luggage compartment. When activated, the valve allows pressure to be released from the sealed compartment to the outside air.