Internal Lid Lock Mechanism for Protected Charging Port Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid locks for refueling or charging ports in vehicles are inefficient and can be damaged or obstructed by external environments, leading to difficulties in opening and closing the ports smoothly.
Innovation Solution
A lid lock mechanism utilizing a lifting shaft, worm wheel, and worm shaft that allows for controlled axial and rotational movements of the lid, enabling the lid to retract internally and rotate to expose the port, while being protected within the vehicle's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid lock mechanism is exposed externally for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to damage and environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The lid lock mechanism is nested within the vehicle body structure, specifically housed in a cavity formed by the inner panel and outer panel. This nesting protects the mechanism from environmental damage while maintaining functional accessibility through the lid's movement between closed and open positions.
2Reliability
If the lid lock mechanism is protected within the vehicle structure, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The lid lock mechanism incorporates dynamic movement capabilities, allowing the lid to transition between closed and open states. The mechanism includes a locking arm that can engage and disengage, and a lifting shaft that enables the lid to move axially and rotate, ensuring operational ease despite the protected internal housing.
3Ease of operation
If the lid lock uses a complex mechanism for smooth operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking arm for engagement, a lifting shaft for axial movement, and a rotating mechanism for lid orientation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining smooth operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If the lid lock mechanism is simplified for easier manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential damage and obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The lid lock mechanism merges multiple functions into a compact assembly housed within the vehicle body cavity. The locking arm, lifting shaft, and rotating mechanism are combined in a space-efficient arrangement that is protected by the inner and outer panels, providing both manufacturing simplicity and environmental protection.
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
Ensures smooth operation of the lid lock within the vehicle's internal space, reducing the risk of damage and environmental interference, and maintaining a sealed connection with the vehicle door.
Implementation Method 1
a worm shaft provided with helical teeth on the outside thereof, the helical teeth being meshed with the outer gear of the worm wheel, and the worm shaft being rotatable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a lifting shaft having a head for mounting a refueling or charging port lid, the lifting shaft being provided with lifting screw teeth on an outer wall thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a lid lock for a refueling or charging port having: a lifting shaft; a worm wheel; and a worm shaft. The worm wheel and the worm shaft are configured such that the worm shaft rotates in a first direction to drive the worm wheel to rotate, thereby driving the lifting shaft to perform a descending movement in an axial direction of the lifting shaft and then perform a rotational movement to expose a refueling or charging port for supplying fuel or electricity. In some examples, the worm shaft rotates in a second direction to drive the worm wheel to rotate, thereby driving the lifting shaft to perform a rotational movement and then perform an ascending movement in the axial direction of the lifting shaft to close the refueling or charging port. The present disclosure provides an internally retractable lid lock for a refueling or charging port. An internal space between an outer sheet metal of a vehicle and a refueling and charging port is fully utilized, so that a lid can be opened in the internal space, which not only is not limited by an external environment, but also reduces the possibility of damaging parts.