Powered Door Actuator With Telescoping Member for Compact Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power closure member actuation systems for vehicle doors are inefficient due to varying moments of inertia, require intermediate linkages, and increase cost, complexity, and weight, while also risking mechanical binding.
Innovation Solution
A powered actuator with an electric motor and gearbox that integrates a telescoping extensible member and contamination cover, eliminating the need for intermediate linkages, reducing inertia, and allowing compact packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power actuator is mounted spaced from the shut face, then the door can swing without mechanical binding, but the moment of inertia varies substantially causing power requirements to vary and requiring intermediate linkages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate linkage from the system by mounting the power actuator directly to the shut face. This removal of the intermediary component simplifies the mechanism while maintaining reliable door swing operation without mechanical binding.
Solution Approach 2:
The power actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the driving force for door movement, accommodates varying moment of inertia through its mounting position at the shut face, and eliminates the need for separate intermediate linkages, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If intermediate linkages are incorporated to allow door swing, then mechanical binding is prevented, but cost, complexity of design and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate linkage from the system, thereby eliminating its weight contribution. The power actuator is mounted directly to the shut face, achieving binding-free door swing without requiring additional intermediate components that would add weight.
3Ease of operation
If the extensible member is fixedly secured to the vehicle body, then the door can be actuated, but the actuator cannot be compactly packaged and interferes with internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescoping extensible member that dynamically changes length based on door position. During door actuation, the member extends to provide the necessary reach; during retraction, it shortens to minimize interference with internal components, enabling compact packaging while maintaining full actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping extensible member utilizes a nested structure where segments are contained within one another during retraction. This nesting allows the member to occupy minimal space when not in use, enabling compact actuator packaging without compromising door actuation capability.
4Ease of operation
If the extensible member is extended for door actuation, then door movement is enabled, but it interferes with internal components of the closure panel or vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping extensible member dynamically adjusts its length based on operational requirements. It extends only when needed for door actuation and retracts when not in use, minimizing interference with internal components throughout the door's range of motion while maintaining full actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves spatial interference issues by utilizing the telescoping dimension of the extensible member. By changing length along its axial dimension rather than maintaining a fixed extended position, the member can provide actuation force when needed while retracting to avoid interference with internal components in the transverse dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered actuator for moving a motor vehicle closure panel from a closed position to an open position and method of construction thereof. Powered actuator includes an electric motor configured to rotate a driven shaft and a gearbox coupled to the driven shaft. An extensible member extends through the gearbox to a proximal end on one side of the gearbox for attachment to one of a vehicle body or the closure member and to a distal end on an opposite side of the gearbox. Extensible member is configured to move between retracted and extended positions in response to rotation of the driven shaft. A contamination cover enshrouds the extensible member between the gearbox and the distal end of the extensible member. Contamination cover moves between an axially extended state and an axially retracted state while the extensible member moves between the respective retracted position and the extended position.