Vehicle Port Cover Linkage for Inward Opening and Self-Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle fueling or charging port covers that move outwardly relative to the housing are aesthetically unpleasing and may require additional locking mechanisms or risk damage to the drive device due to external forces.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly with a linkage system comprising a drive member, first and second transmission members, and a guide slot, allowing the cover to move between closed and open positions while being locked in place without additional locking means, and maintaining a parallel arrangement to save space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover moves outwardly relative to the housing to open, then the cover can be opened to allow fueling or charging, but the appearance becomes unpleasing and additional locking mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the cover moving outward to open, the cover moves inward into the housing cavity to open. This inverted motion direction achieves both functional operation and aesthetic appearance by keeping the cover within the housing boundaries during movement
2Ease of operation
If the cover moves outwardly relative to the housing to open, then the cover can be opened, but the drive device may be damaged by external forces and additional locking mechanisms are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The cover movement direction is inverted to move inward into the housing rather than outward. This protects the drive device from external forces since the cover remains within the housing cavity during operation, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is received within the housing cavity when in the open position, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement protects the drive device by keeping the cover and its movement path contained within the housing boundaries
3Ease of operation
If the cover moves outwardly relative to the housing to open, then the cover can be opened, but additional locking mechanisms are required to prevent opening due to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the cover movement to inward motion, the patent eliminates the need for additional locking mechanisms. The natural inward movement path and containment within the housing cavity provide inherent protection against external forces without requiring complex locking systems
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a cover assembly including a housing, a cover, a drive member, a first transmission member, and a second transmission member. The housing has a cavity. The cover has a closed position and an open position. The cover closes a door plate opening of a door plate when the cover is in the closed position and the door plate opening is exposed when the cover is in the open position. The drive member is movable relative to the housing. The first transmission member is rotatably connected with the cover and is rotatably connected with the drive member. The second transmission member is rotatably connected with the cover and is rotatably connected with the drive member. The drive member, the first transmission member, the second transmission member and the cover collectively form a linkage and are configured to drive the cover to move relative to the housing between the closed position and the open position. The cover assembly of the present application can prevent the cover in a closed state from being opened due to external force, and no additional locking means need to be provided. Furthermore, a cover in the open position is arranged parallel to a cover in the closed position, which can save space occupied by the cover assembly in a vehicle.