Lift Assist Lock Assembly Preventing Unintended Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lift assists used to support vehicle components like liftgates often fail to maintain the open position when additional loads are applied, leading to unintended closure due to the lack of a locking mechanism that prevents transition from a locked to an unlocked position when the load exceeds a threshold.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly comprising a cylinder, piston, and a spring mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked positions, where the lock is blocked from unlocking when the load exceeds a threshold, utilizing a twist portion and toothed structure to maintain the locked position and prevent piston retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the lift assist is designed without a locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining the open position under additional load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly automatically transitions to the locked position when the piston extends, and automatically remains locked when excessive load is applied. The system self-regulates based on the load condition without requiring external control mechanisms, achieving reliable operation under additional load while maintaining simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic or actuated locking systems with a purely mechanical lock assembly that uses spring force and friction engagement. The lock transitions between locked and unlocked states through mechanical interaction with the piston position and load conditions, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control circuits.
2Ease of operation
If the lock is made easily transitionable between locked and unlocked positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of preventing unintended closure under additional load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is designed to automatically engage the locked position when the piston extends to the open position, preventing unintended closure before it can occur. The spring-loaded locking mechanism is pre-positioned to engage automatically, and the excessive load detection feature ensures that once locked, the system will not unintentionally disengage even under additional load.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly transitions dynamically between locked and unlocked states based on piston position and load conditions. The spring force and friction engagement create a dynamic system that automatically adapts to the operational state, providing easy transition during normal operation while maintaining reliability under excessive load through the one-way ratchet mechanism.
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 lock assembly effectively prevents the liftgate from closing inadvertently by maintaining the locked position even when additional loads are applied, ensuring the liftgate remains open until the load is reduced below the threshold.
Implementation Method 1
a spring of the lock that is in a clamped position where the spring is clamped against the piston when the lock is in the locked position, and in an unclamped position where the spring is unclamped from the piston when the lock is in the unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary assembly includes a cylinder, a piston, and a lock. The lock is transitionable between an unlocked position that permits extension and retraction of the piston relative to the cylinder, and a locked position that limits retraction of the piston relative to the cylinder. The lock is blocked from transitioning from the locked to the unlocked position when a load supported by the piston exceeds a threshold load. An exemplary method includes transitioning a lock from an unlocked to a locked position. The lock in the unlocked position permits extension and retraction of a piston relative to a cylinder. The lock in the locked position limits retraction of the piston relative to the cylinder. The method further includes holding the lock in the locked position using a load supported by the piston that exceeds a threshold load.