Power Door Actuator with Offset Drive Nut for Compact Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power door actuation systems for motor vehicles face packaging limitations due to their size and orientation requirements, which restrict their application to vehicles with sufficient internal space, and they do not effectively manage the door's mass moment of inertia or provide flexible positioning.
Innovation Solution
A compact power door actuation system with a laterally offset drive spindle and leadscrew axis, integrated with a drive nut assembly that allows for gimbal-like motion, reducing the package size and moment of inertia, and incorporating electronic controls for infinite door check and obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional power door actuation system with coaxial leadscrew and motor is used, then the door can be actuated between open and closed positions, but the system requires ample internal space within the door cavity and has limited adaptability to different vehicle configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a coaxial arrangement (one-dimensional alignment) to a laterally offset arrangement where the leadscrew axis is positioned laterally from the drive spindle axis. This dimensional change allows the system to be packaged more compactly within the door cavity while maintaining the necessary mechanical functions, thereby reducing the volume requirement and improving adaptability to different vehicle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gimbal-like motion capability to the drive nut assembly, allowing it to accommodate angular misalignment between the leadscrew and drive spindle. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to varying installation conditions and door geometries, significantly improving versatility across different vehicle platforms while maintaining a compact footprint.
2Weight of moving object
If a conventional power door actuation system with lengthy leadscrew and extensible member is used, then the door can be actuated, but the system has a significant moment of inertia effect on the swing door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the extensible member from the conventional linear motion system and replaces it with a rotating drive nut assembly that moves laterally along the offset leadscrew. This extraction eliminates the need for a lengthy extensible member that extends far from the hinge, thereby reducing the moment of inertia of the moving components while preserving the door actuation function through rotational-to-lateral motion conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the conventional linear extensible member mechanism with a rotational drive nut assembly that engages the leadscrew laterally. This mechanical substitution reduces the moment of inertia by replacing a long, linearly-moving component with a compact, laterally-moving rotational assembly, while the leadscrew thread geometry maintains the mechanical advantage needed for effective door actuation.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact power door actuation system with laterally offset leadscrew axis is used, then the package size is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to gimbal-like motion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive nut assembly with the leadscrew engagement mechanism in a single integrated unit. The drive nut assembly simultaneously performs lateral translation along the offset leadscrew and accommodates angular misalignment through its gimbal-like construction. This merging of functions into a single assembly reduces the overall number of separate components, thereby reducing device complexity despite the compact packaging and offset configuration.
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 system enables efficient packaging within the door cavity, reduces the door's mass moment of inertia, and provides precise control over door movement with enhanced flexibility and obstacle avoidance capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a drive nut assembly (40) laterally offset from and in threaded engagement with a leadscrew (44)
Data Source
AI summary
A power door actuation system including a swing door actuator assembly having a rotatable drive nut assembly operable to move the door between a closed position and at least one open position to provide a power opening and closing function.