Powered Drive Unit with Integrated Counterbalance Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power closure member actuation systems for vehicles require large electric motors to generate sufficient force, leading to accelerated wear due to counteracting forces like wind and gravity, reducing the system's operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A powered actuator system that includes an electric motor, gearbox, and an extensible member with a bias member, such as a coil spring, to reduce the load on the motor and gearbox by providing axial bias, facilitating controlled movement of the closure member between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large electric motor is used to provide sufficient force to move the closure member, then the force capability is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a bias member (spring) that provides a counterbalancing force to offset the weight of the closure member. This reduces the net force requirement from the electric motor, allowing for a smaller motor while maintaining adequate force capability. The spring acts as a mechanical counterweight that balances gravitational forces on the closure member.
2Reliability
If the electric motor counteracts forces from the closure member including wind and gravity, then the closure member can be moved reliably, but accelerated wear occurs reducing system lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The bias member (spring) serves as a counterweight mechanism that pre-balances the gravitational force on the closure member. This reduces the peak counteracting forces that the motor and transmission components must withstand during operation, thereby reducing stress and accelerated wear while maintaining reliable movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bias member provides beforehand cushioning by pre-loading the system with a counterbalancing force. This cushioning effect reduces the impact and stress peaks on the motor, leadscrew, and drive nut during acceleration and deceleration phases, thereby reducing wear and extending component lifespan while maintaining reliable operation.
3Device complexity
If the entire force to move the closure member is provided by the electric motor, then the system is simple, but the motor size must be sufficiently large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bias member (spring) that acts as a counterweight to balance the closure member's weight. This mechanical assistance reduces the force burden on the electric motor, enabling the use of a smaller, lighter motor while maintaining the ability to move the closure member effectively.
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 system reduces the load on the electric motor and gearbox, enhancing operational efficiency, extending their lifespan, and providing controlled axial movement of the closure member, thus improving the power closure member actuation system's performance and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring is disposed about the extensible member and is configured to impart an axial bias on the extensible member
Data Source
AI summary
A powered actuator for moving a motor vehicle closure member from a closed position to an open position and method of facilitating movement of the closure member therewith. 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 bias member is configured to impart an axially directed bias on the extensible member to facilitate controlled movement of the extensible member, while reducing the load imparted on the electric motor and the gearbox during powered movement of the closure member between the open and closed positions.