Port Locking Actuator with Manual Stoppers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing port locking actuator devices for electric vehicles can break when excessive force is applied during manual operation, particularly when the locking displaceable element is abutting against the inner structure, leading to potential damage of the engagement parts.
Innovation Solution
A port locking actuator device with a locking displaceable element and a manual operation element, featuring stoppers that prevent excessive force from being applied by abutting the manual operation element before it reaches the locking displaceable element stopper, thereby preventing damage during manual locking or unlocking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking displaceable element is allowed to abut against the inner structure to stop displacement, then the stopping operation is simple and effective, but excessive force may break the engagement parts between the locking displaceable element and manual operation element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stopper as an intermediary component between the manual operation element and the locking displaceable element. This stopper absorbs the excessive force during manual operation by providing a dedicated abutment surface, preventing the force from being transmitted to the engagement parts. The stopper acts as a mediator that protects the critical engagement interface while still enabling the locking displaceable element to reach its intended position.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is positioned in advance within the device structure to cushion or absorb the impact force before it reaches the engagement parts. By having this protective element pre-positioned, the design ensures that when manual operation causes the locking displaceable element to abut against the inner structure, the stopper intercepts the excessive force and prevents damage to the engagement parts between the manual operation element and locking displaceable element.
2Productivity
If the manual operation element is designed to engage directly with the locking displaceable element, then the manual operation is direct and efficient, but the engagement parts are vulnerable to breaking under excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper serves as a protective intermediary that does not interfere with the normal direct engagement between the manual operation element and locking displaceable element during regular operation. However, when excessive force is applied, the stopper intervenes by providing an abutment surface that limits the force transmission, thus protecting the engagement parts while maintaining operational efficiency under normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is pre-positioned within the device to cushion excessive forces before they can damage the engagement parts. This beforehand cushioning mechanism allows direct and efficient manual operation under normal conditions while providing automatic protection when force exceeds safe limits, thus maintaining both productivity and strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking mechanism allows manual operation to override electrical operation, then emergency unlocking is enabled, but the manual driving mechanism may be damaged by excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper acts as a protective intermediary that enables emergency manual operation to override electrical operation while preventing damage to the manual driving mechanism. By providing a dedicated abutment surface, the stopper allows users to apply sufficient force to override electrical locking when necessary, while simultaneously protecting the engagement parts from excessive force that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is pre-positioned to cushion excessive forces during emergency manual operation. This beforehand cushioning enables the manual driving mechanism to be used for emergency unlocking or locking operations with confidence that excessive force will be absorbed by the stopper rather than transmitted to and damaging the engagement parts of the manual driving mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator device includes a locking displaceable element and a manual operation element that are displaceably disposed in a fixed portion. The locking displaceable element is displaceable to locked/unlocked positions. The manual operation element engages with the locking displaceable element and displaces the locking displaceable element to lock/unlocked positions via manual operation. The fixed portion includes locking displaceable element stoppers and manual operation element stoppers. The locking displaceable element includes locking displaceable element stopper abutment surfaces. The manual operation element includes manual operation element stopper abutment surfaces. When the manual operation element is operated, the manual operation element stopper abutment surfaces abut against the manual operation element stoppers by to stop displacement of the manual operation element before the locking displaceable element stopper abutment surfaces abutting against the locking displaceable element stoppers.