Integrated Vehicle Lock Actuator Housing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle locking systems have complex designs and mounting structures that increase production costs and time due to separate components for switches and actuators, which are costly and time-consuming to assemble.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly with a housing that integrates the actuator, input device, and linkage mechanism, simplifying design complexity by eliminating the need for additional body mounting structures, and positioning the input device externally for user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate components for switches and actuators are used, then user accessibility is maintained, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator assembly and input device into a single integrated housing structure. The actuator is mounted within the housing, and the input device is positioned on the exterior portion of the same housing, eliminating the need for separate body mounting structures and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining user accessibility.
2Reliability
If separate body mounting structures are used, then component support is ensured, but production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the actuator internally, provides an exterior surface for the input device, and acts as the mounting structure itself. This consolidation eliminates additional body mounting structures and assembly steps, reducing production time and costs while ensuring reliable component support.
3Productivity
If integrated housing is used, then production efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated housing is designed with distinct functional zones: an interior portion for mounting the actuator and an exterior portion for the input device. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall integration, reducing the precision requirements compared to a fully monolithic design.
Data Source
AI summary
Actuator apparatus and related methods for use with vehicle locks are disclosed. A disclosed locking system for a vehicle includes a movable component of the vehicle and a lock operatively coupled to the movable component. The locking system also includes an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a housing coupled to a vehicle body, an actuator supported by the housing, and a linkage mechanism connecting the actuator to the lock. The locking system also includes an input device supported by the housing. Activation of the input device causes the actuator to change a state of the lock.