Reciprocating Lid Mechanism With Intermittent Switch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear reciprocating-motion apparatuses for vehicles, such as fuel doors or charge port doors, require complex electrical circuitry and control programs to determine the state of a switch, leading to potential malfunctions due to errors in electronic control.
Innovation Solution
A linear reciprocating-motion apparatus with a simplified electrical circuitry, utilizing an intermittent mechanism that switches a switch between disconnected and connected states alternately, allowing mechanical control to displace a stopper to a nonblocking position, thereby simplifying the manual opening operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex electrical circuitry and control programs are used to determine switch state, then control functionality is achieved, but reliability decreases due to potential electronic control program bugs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic control system with a purely mechanical control system. The intermittent mechanism uses mechanical components (cam, follower, lever) to directly control the stopper position based on the movable member's position, eliminating the need for electrical circuitry and control programs while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical control system is self-regulating through the intermittent mechanism. The cam profile automatically determines when to disengage the stopper based on the movable member's position, without requiring external control signals or electronic decision-making, thereby simplifying the system and improving reliability.
2Reliability
If electrical circuitry is simplified by removing control apparatus, then reliability improves, but control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic switch state detection with direct mechanical position control. The intermittent mechanism physically prevents the stopper from disengaging unless the movable member is in the correct position, providing inherent mechanical precision without electronic sensors or control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile is pre-designed to ensure that the follower can only be pushed into the lever's actuating position when the movable member reaches the correct position. This preliminary geometric constraint ensures precise control without requiring real-time electronic detection or decision-making.
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 solution enhances reliability by eliminating the need for complex electrical circuitry and reducing the risk of malfunctions caused by electronic control program bugs, while allowing for efficient mechanical control of the lid body.
Implementation Method 1
a stopper that: (i) is supported by the housing, (ii) is displaceable between a blocking position at which movement of the movable member from the second position to the first position is prohibited and a nonblocking position at which movement of the movable member from the second position to the first position is permitted, (iii) is biased toward the blocking position
Implementation Method 2
an electric actuator that is provided in the housing and is operably connected to the stopper; where the electric actuator displaces the stopper to the nonblocking position when energized
Data Source
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AI summary
A linear reciprocating-motion apparatus that can further improve reliability by simplifying electrical circuitry related to a switch is provided. A linear reciprocating-motion apparatus (1) comprises: a housing (90); a movable member (10, 30) that is supported by the housing (90) and is capable of undergoing linear reciprocating motion in a range that includes a first position, a second position, and a third position; a stopper (50) that is supported by the housing (90), is displaceable between a blocking position at which movement of the movable member (10, 30) from the second position to the first position is prohibited and a nonblocking position at which movement of the movable member (10, 30) from the second position to the first position is permitted, and is displaced to the nonblocking position in response to a specific operation; an intermittent mechanism (100, 200) that interacts with the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member (10, 30) and assumes a specific state once every two times when the movable member (10, 30) repeats the action of moving to the third position; and a switch (SW1) that, when the specific state is assumed, is switched from one of a disconnected state and a connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state.