Lid Locking Mechanism With Delayed Pivot Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lid opening and closing devices for electric automobiles lack secure locking mechanisms and require two drive sources, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lid opening and closing device that incorporates a rotating body, cam, transmission member, lock member, and differential mechanism to enable automatic opening, closing, and locking using a single drive source, allowing the lid to be locked in an unreleasable manner without increasing size or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism with an actuator is applied to improve security, then security is improved, but the device size increases due to requiring two drive sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lid opening/closing function and the locking function into a single integrated mechanism. The lock member is driven by the same drive source (motor 41) that operates the arm, using a cam mechanism to coordinate both functions. This merging eliminates the need for a separate actuator, reducing device size while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive source (motor 41) performs multiple functions: it drives the arm for lid opening/closing and simultaneously drives the lock member for locking/unlocking. The cam mechanism enables this multi-functionality by translating the motor's rotation into coordinated movement of both the arm and lock member, allowing one component to serve multiple purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two drive sources are used for opening/closing and locking, then both functions can be performed, but the device becomes large and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate drive systems into one integrated system. The motor 41 serves as a single drive source that controls both the arm movement (for opening/closing) and the lock member movement (for locking). The cam mechanism acts as a transmission device that distributes the motor's power to both functions, reducing complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary between the single drive source (motor 41) and the two output functions (arm movement and lock member movement). It translates the motor's rotational motion into the appropriate movements for both the arm and lock member, enabling one drive source to control multiple functions without direct mechanical coupling to both.
3Reliability
If the lock member engages with the engaging portion, then secure locking is achieved, but the mechanism requires precise coordination timing
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed so that the lock member is activated in advance of the arm reaching its final position. As the motor rotates, the cam profile ensures that the lock member engages with the engaging portion on the lid before the arm completes its motion, securing the lid in place. This preliminary action ensures reliable locking without requiring complex real-time coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism converts the continuous rotation of the motor into periodic, controlled movements of the lock member and arm. The cam profile creates specific phases in the rotation cycle where the lock member engages or disengages, providing precise timing control through the periodic nature of cam-follower interaction rather than requiring complex continuous control systems.
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
The device achieves secure automatic opening and closing of the lid while maintaining a compact design, enhancing security and reducing costs by utilizing a single drive source.
Implementation Method 1
a cam that rotates in conjunction with the rotating body; a transmission member movable by the cam
Implementation Method 2
a differential mechanism that starts rotation of the pivot portion with a delay with respect to start of rotation of the rotating body
Data Source
AI summary
A lid opening and closing device includes a base having a bearing portion, a receiving portion attached to the base, a lid for closing an opening portion, an arm movable between retracted and advanced positions, a rotating body transmitting a drive force to a pivot portion to rotate, a cam rotating in conjunction with the rotating body, a transmission member movable by the cam, a lock member moving between lock and unlock positions by transmitting a rotational force of the rotating body via the cam and the transmission member, an engaging portion provided on the lid, and a differential mechanism starting rotation of the pivot portion with a delay with respect to start of rotation of the rotating body when the arm at the retracted position is moved to the advanced position.