Integrated Flap Actuator Layout for Unified Locking and Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of mechanical structures for automatically controlling and locking refueling or charging port flaps across different vehicle models and manufacturers due to varying sizes and positions of flaps, making it difficult to assemble and manufacture a unified actuation device.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device with a housing integrating a linear motion mechanism and a rotary motion mechanism, providing both linear and rotary motion outputs, which can be mounted independently and simplified in design, allowing for automatic control and locking of refueling or charging port flaps without external mechanisms, with predetermined sizes and structures for easy mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a specific mechanical structure is designed for each vehicle model to control the refueling or charging port flap, then the flap can be controlled automatically, but the device complexity increases and assembly and manufacturing become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation device is designed as a universal mechanism that can be applied across different vehicle models. The housing integrates both linear motion mechanism and rotary motion mechanism, providing multiple functions (actuating flap opening/closing and controlling locking device) within a single standardized unit, eliminating the need for model-specific designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the linear motion mechanism and rotary motion mechanism into a single integrated housing. The driving structure produces both linear motion output (to drive the locking device) and rotary motion output (to open/close the flap) from one unified actuation device, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the linear motion output and rotary motion output are positioned far apart, then the mounting structure can accommodate different positions, but the transmission distance increases and the mechanical structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the linear motion output and rotary motion output at opposite ends of the housing along the longitudinal direction, utilizing the dimensional space efficiently. This arrangement allows both outputs to be accessible for mounting while keeping the transmission paths within the housing compact, avoiding excessive transmission distances
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an actuation device and a refueling port or charging port flap assembly. The actuation device comprises: a housing, a rotary motion mechanism, a linear motion mechanism, a rotary output mechanism and a linear output mechanism. The rotary motion mechanism and the linear motion mechanism are mounted inside the housing. The rotary output mechanism and the linear output mechanism are connected to the outside of the housing. The rotary output mechanism is configured to open and close a flap. The linear output mechanism is configured to lock and unlock the flap. A motion input mechanism, a motion output mechanism and a mounting structure of the actuation device each have a predetermined structure and size, so that the design of the actuation device can be simplified, facilitating mounting. In the present disclosure, further, a direction of a linear motion output of the actuation device is configured to be parallel to a direction of a rotation axis about which a rotary motion output of the actuation device is performed, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure of the actuation device.