Flexible Override Retainer for Manual Door Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle assemblies with movable door assemblies, such as charge port and fuel fill housing assemblies, face challenges in manually releasing the door assembly from a malfunctioning latching system without the need for expensive pull cable systems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an override retainer with flexible retaining flaps or clips that deflect to release the latching assembly from the door assembly when a manual override force is applied, allowing for manual release without complex mechanical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a latching assembly is used to lock the door assembly in the closed position, then the door assembly can be securely locked, but the door assembly cannot be manually released when the latching assembly malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor locking reliabilityVSAvoidmanual release capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The override retainer is pre-installed on the hinge arm as a backup mechanism. When the latching assembly malfunctions, the override retainer can be deflected to manually release the door assembly, providing beforehand prepared protection against locking failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The override retainer acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hinge arm and the latching assembly. By deflecting the override retainer, force is transmitted to release the latching assembly from the door assembly, enabling manual override when the primary latching mechanism fails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an override mechanism is added to allow manual release, then manual release capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual release capabilityVSAvoidlatching system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The override retainer is integrated with the hinge arm structure, combining two components into a unified assembly. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate, independent override mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The override retainer is designed as a flexible component with retaining flaps that can deflect under manual force. This flexibility allows the override mechanism to function without complex mechanical linkages, actuators, or cables, maintaining simplicity while enabling manual release capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If a flexible override retainer is used instead of a rigid structure, then manual release ease is improved, but the structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverride force applicationVSAvoidretainer structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The override retainer has varying structural properties: the retaining flaps are designed to be flexible for easy deflection during manual override, while the attachment portion and central ring maintain sufficient rigidity to securely engage the latching assembly and withstand operational forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer material and geometry are engineered to exhibit appropriate mechanical parameters - sufficient flexibility in the retaining flaps to deflect under manual override force, while maintaining adequate strength in critical engagement areas to prevent failure during normal door operation and latching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 override retainer enables manual release of the door assembly even in case of latching assembly malfunctions, providing a reliable backup operation without the need for expensive pull cable systems, and allowing for multiple opening and closing cycles.

Implementation Method 1

an override retainer configured to deflect to release the latching assembly from the door assembly when a manual override force is applied to the door assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12264515B2Fuel/charge port door assembly override systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Vehicle assemblies are provided that include movable door assemblies. Examples of vehicle assemblies with movable door assemblies include charge port housing assemblies and fuel fill housing assemblies. An exemplary vehicle assembly may include an override retainer. The override retainer may include a flexible flap or clip that is configured to deflect or otherwise distort to release a latching assembly from the door assembly when a manual override force is applied to the door assembly.