Locking Pin Actuator Cam Lever Geometry for Tight Release Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for electric vehicle charging connectors require a wide turning range for the release operation part, necessitating a large space and causing unnecessary movement of the release lever when actuated by a motor.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design with a gear system that includes a cam piece with a sliding contact surface and a pressed end, allowing the internal lever to apply pressure and increase the turning angle of the gear beyond the release operation part's turning angle, reducing the required space and unnecessary movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a turning mechanism (cam member and rotating shaft) is interposed between the locking pin and lock release lever, then the locking pin can be retracted, but the turning mechanism and the release lever turn at the same turning angle, requiring a wide turnable range and wide space around the release lever
Solution Approach 1:
An internal lever is introduced as an intermediary between the release operation part and the cam member. The internal lever translates the small turning angle of the release operation part into a larger turning angle of the cam member through its geometric configuration, allowing the locking pin to be retracted while requiring minimal space around the release lever.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the turning angle parameter relationship between the release operation part and the cam member. Instead of having them turn at the same angle, the internal lever mechanism creates a parameter transformation where a small turning angle of the release operation part produces a larger turning angle of the cam member, achieving the desired function with reduced space requirements.
2Extent of automation
If the turning mechanism is turned by a motor to advance and retract the locking pin, then the locking pin can be actuated, but the release lever would also turn unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic engagement mechanism where the internal lever can selectively engage or disengage from the cam member. During automated motor-driven operation, the internal lever disengages from the cam member, preventing unnecessary turning movements and energy consumption, while still allowing the motor to actuate the locking pin through the gear 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 actuator reduces the turning range of the release operation part and minimizes the space needed for operation, while maintaining effective locking and unlocking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a cam piece configured to move in conjunction with the gear and disposed in a position contacting the internal lever, the cam piece having a sliding contact surface and a pressed end
Implementation Method 2
a gear that transmits the drive force to a locking pin
Implementation Method 3
the internal lever applies pressure while sliding in contact with the sliding contact surface of the cam piece
Data Source
AI summary
A cam gear 196 of an actuator 10 is configured to transmit a drive force to a locking pin 13. An external lever 17 is provided at the exterior of a housing 11. An internal lever 18 is configured to turn, moving in conjunction with the external lever 17. A cam piece 191 is configured to move in conjunction with the cam gear 196 and is disposed in a position contacting the internal lever 18. The cam piece 191 has a sliding contact surface 192 and a pressed end 193. When the turning of the external lever 17 has started, the internal lever 18 applies pressure while sliding in contact with the sliding contact surface 192 of the cam piece 191, whereby the cam gear 196 turns. After the cam gear 196 has turned more than a certain amount, the cam gear 196 turns further due to the internal lever 18 abutting against and applying pressure to the pressed end 193 of the cam piece 191.