Push-Push Actuator Spring Tensioning for Automatic Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating apparatuses for automobile components, such as door handles, require a stronger spring to move from a partially open to a closed position, which conflicts with the desire for automatic closure and increased comfort, as the spring must be compressed during this movement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating tensioning means that prestress the spring during the component's movement from a partially open to an open position, allowing it to return to the closed position without manual counterforce, using a more weakly dimensioned spring, and utilizing a push-push mechanism with a control cam and tappet system to manage the spring's compression and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring is used to move the component from partially open position to closed position, then the component can be automatically closed, but the spring must be more greatly dimensioned to overcome the counterforce during this movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by tensioning the spring during the movement from open position to partially open position. This pre-tensioning stores energy in the spring that is then available to automatically move the component from partially open to closed position without requiring a heavily dimensioned spring to overcome counterforces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the spring transitions from being tensioned (during opening) to providing prestress (during closing). The push-push mechanism dynamically changes the spring's state based on the component's position, allowing the same spring to serve multiple functions with different force requirements at different stages of operation.
2Reliability
If the component is moved manually beyond closed position to lock the push-push mechanism, then the mechanism locks properly, but the operation becomes more complex requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the push-push mechanism to automatically lock and unlock based on the component's position. The control cam and control projection automatically engage or disengage depending on whether the component is in closed or open position, eliminating the need for manual intervention to lock the mechanism while maintaining reliable locking.
3Force
If tensioning means are added to prestress the spring during opening movement, then automatic closure is enabled with a weaker spring, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tensioning function with the existing push-push mechanism by integrating the control cam, control projection, and spring into a unified system. The same mechanical components that control the locking also manage the spring tensioning, eliminating the need for separate tensioning mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality where the spring serves dual purposes: it is tensioned during opening movement and provides prestress during closing movement. The control cam and control projection system simultaneously manages both the locking mechanism and the spring tensioning, allowing one system to perform multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Enhances comfort by allowing the component to automatically return to the closed position after being released in the open position, resolving the conflict of objectives by using the spring's prestress to move it back, and enabling a more weakly dimensioned spring to achieve this functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (78) which is compression prestressed during a movement of the component (12) out of the closed position into the open position
Implementation Method 2
the spring (78) being compression prestressed during a movement of the component (12) out of the closed position into the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a component which can be mounted movably in or on an automobile and an actuating apparatus for the component, the actuating apparatus having a push-push mechanism which interacts with the component, it being possible for the component to be moved out of a closed position by manual exertion of a pressing force counter to the prestress of a spring into an unlocked position in order to unlock the push-push mechanism, out of which unlocked position the component is moved into a partially open position driven by the prestress of the spring, out of which partially open position the component can be moved into an open position by manual exertion of a pulling force.