Parallel Motor Lid Device Layout for Compact Fuel Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel lid devices are bulky and complex, requiring significant space and complex assembly due to the coaxial arrangement of motor and plunger, limiting layout freedom and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact fuel lid device design featuring a push lifter, a drive unit with an electric motor, and a transmission mechanism, including a pinion and rack, where the push lifter and drive unit are parallel, allowing for a reduced dimension and simplified assembly, with a speed reduction gear group and worm mechanism for efficient operation and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor and plunger are disposed in a coaxial relationship, then the locking function is achieved, but the device occupies significant space and assembly work becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a coaxial (one-dimensional alignment) to a parallel arrangement where the push lifter and drive unit are positioned side-by-side. This dimensional change allows the components to occupy different spatial planes, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining the locking function through the transmission mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism is designed to be integrated within the housing, with the pinion and rack arranged to fit compactly alongside the push lifter. The lock member is positioned to engage with the lid while being actuated by the transmission mechanism, creating a nested configuration where multiple components occupy overlapping spatial volumes, thereby reducing the total device footprint.
2Reliability
If the motor and plunger are disposed in a coaxial relationship, then the locking function is achieved, but the freedom in laying out component parts is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from a coaxial to a parallel arrangement, the patent enables components to be positioned in multiple spatial directions within the housing. This provides greater layout freedom, allowing the push lifter, drive unit, and transmission mechanism to be arranged optimally for manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while preserving the locking function.
3Reliability
If a coaxial arrangement with screw threading is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the assembly work becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the screw threading from the motor-plunger connection and replaces it with a parallel arrangement connected through a transmission mechanism. This separation simplifies the manufacturing of individual components and reduces assembly complexity, as the components can be manufactured and assembled independently before being integrated into the final locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the push lifter for actuation, the drive unit for power, and the transmission mechanism for motion conversion. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested separately, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining the reliability of the locking function.
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 design results in a highly compact and efficient fuel lid device that can be easily installed on vehicles, reducing manufacturing costs and assembly complexity while maintaining effective locking and opening functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission mechanism includes a pinion driven by the electric motor and a rack fixedly attached to the lock member and configured to reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the push lifter by meshing with the pinion
Implementation Method 2
the transmission mechanism includes a speed reduction gear group consisting of a drive gear coaxially attached to the motor shaft, a driven gear disposed between the motor shaft and the push lifter and meshing with the drive gear
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a lid device which is compact, and can be installed in an efficient manner. The lid device (20) releasably locks a lid (10) provided with a hinge (12) in a closed position. The lid device is provided with a push lifter (32) that alternates between an extended state and a retracted state each time the lid is pushed, a motor (46) placed next to the push lifter, a lock member (18) and a transmission mechanism (64) for transmitting the output of the motor. The push lifter and the motor are arranged such that a lengthwise direction of the push lifter and a lengthwise direction of the motor are parallel to each other.