Fuel Door Opening Mechanism With Dual Locking Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel door opening and closing structure experiences operational defects and aesthetic issues due to continuous elastic force loading, causing deformation of the panel and pop-up rod, which affects durability and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A dual-type locking rod system is integrated with the pop-up rod and main body, restricting sliding movement and controlling both components to prevent deformation, using a first spring for upward movement and a second spring to overcome elastic force, allowing smooth operation and engagement/disengagement of the pop-up rod with the binding portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rod with an elastic member is frequently operated to open and close the fuel door, then the fuel door can be opened and closed, but the continuous load of elastic force causes deformation of the panel and pop-up rod, leading to operational defects and aesthetic deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking rod is divided into two separate components: a first locking rod that engages with the pop-up rod and a second locking rod that contacts the main body. This segmentation allows independent control of the pop-up rod and main body, preventing the continuous elastic force from being transmitted to the panel and causing deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking rod acts as an intermediary between the cable actuation system and the pop-up rod. It transmits the actuation force only when needed for opening/closing, while the second locking rod mediates between the pop-up rod and the main body, ensuring the main body remains stable and does not deform under continuous elastic load.
2Ease of operation
If a rod with an elastic member is frequently operated to open and close the fuel door, then the fuel door can be opened and closed, but the continuous load of elastic force causes deformation of the panel and pop-up rod, leading to operational defects and aesthetic deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking rod into two separate locking rods, the system isolates the panel and main body from continuous elastic force. The first locking rod handles pop-up rod positioning while the second handles main body positioning, preventing shape deformation and maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful continuous elastic force is extracted from the load path by introducing the dual locking rod mechanism. The locking rods engage only when actuation is needed, removing the continuous elastic load that causes panel and pop-up rod deformation, thereby preserving the aesthetic appearance.
3Device complexity
If a single locking rod is used to control the pop-up rod, then the structure is simple, but the main body and pop-up rod cannot be simultaneously controlled, leading to operational defects
Solution Approach 1:
The single locking rod is segmented into two specialized locking rods: the first locking rod specifically controls the pop-up rod position by engaging with it, while the second locking rod specifically controls the main body position by contacting it. This segmentation enables simultaneous and independent control of both components, improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual locking rod system provides multi-functionality: the first locking rod serves the function of controlling the pop-up rod, the second locking rod serves the function of controlling the main body, and together they achieve the combined function of simultaneous control that a single locking rod cannot provide.
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
This solution prevents deformation and external appearance defects of the fuel door by integrating the pop-up rod with the main body, ensuring smooth operation and maintaining the fuel door's aesthetic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring which is mounted to allow the pop-up rod to move upward toward the main body
Implementation Method 2
the second spring may be coupled to one side of the locking rod and connected with the vehicle body, such that when a cable coupled to the other side of the locking rod is pulled, the locking rod may slide while overcoming elastic force of the second spring
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for opening and closing a fuel door may include the main body e rotatably coupled to the vehicle body, and having a binding portion formed on a surface of the main body, a housing formed in a pipe shape and mounted on the vehicle body, and having a plurality of openings at a side of the housing, a pop-up rod having a fastening portion formed at an upper end of the pop-up rod and engaged with the binding portion, a first spring mounted to allow the pop-up rod to move upward toward the main body, and a locking rod which has a first end inserted into a fixing groove formed at a side of the pop-up rod when the locking rod moves forward, to restrict a sliding movement of the pop-up rod, in which the locking rod may be formed in a dual fork shape.