Spindle drive apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spindle drive devices for motor vehicle doors and tailgates have high manufacturing costs and require significant installation space due to their complex design and inflexible mountability.
Innovation Solution
A spindle drive device without a housing tube, where the drive unit can be positioned freely and connected to the guide tube in a rotationally fixed manner, utilizing a prestressed helical spring for torque compensation and protection, and featuring a modular design with adjustable output shaft orientation to accommodate various installation conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drive unit is arranged along the longitudinal axis as an extension of the guide tube, then the spindle drive device achieves a conventional design, but the installation space requirements increase and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide tube, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This orthogonal arrangement allows the drive unit to be mounted in the transverse direction rather than extending along the length of the guide tube, thereby reducing the overall installation space while maintaining functional effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be installed in multiple orientations and positions. The drive unit can be positioned at various locations perpendicular to the guide tube axis, providing adaptability to different installation spaces while achieving the same functional outcome
2Reliability
If a housing tube is used to enclose the spindle drive components, then the components are protected, but the manufacturing costs increase due to the large number of components
Solution Approach 1:
The housing tube is completely removed from the design. Instead of enclosing the spindle drive components in a protective housing, the invention relies on the structural integrity of the individual components themselves and their precise mounting arrangements to provide necessary protection and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The functions previously performed by the housing tube (structural support, component mounting, protection) are integrated directly into the guide tube and drive unit components. The guide tube serves both as a structural element and as a mounting surface for the drive unit, eliminating the need for a separate housing
3Ease of manufacture
If the drive unit position is fixed along the guide tube, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different installation spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from a fixed drive unit position to a dynamic, adjustable positioning system. The drive unit can be located at various positions perpendicular to the guide tube axis, allowing adaptation to different installation spaces while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for the components themselves
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
This design reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes space requirements, and allows for flexible installation, enhancing the spindle drive's adaptability and durability while maintaining low noise operation.
Implementation Method 1
To at least partially compensate for the torque exerted on the spindle drive by the vehicle door and/or tailgate, it is proposed that the spindle drive further include a pre-tensioned helical spring that surrounds the guide tube and the spindle
Implementation Method 2
The direction of rotation of the helical spring can be selected such that the threaded engagement is not lost even when the guide tube and helical spring rotate together
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a spindle drive device (10) comprising a guide tube (12) with a longitudinal axis (A), wherein the guide tube (12) is provided at one end with a connecting unit for connecting the spindle drive device (10) to a superior assembly, i.e., not belonging to the spindle drive device (10), and wherein the connecting unit is rotatably attached to the guide tube (12) relative to it about the longitudinal axis (A), a spindle provided with an external thread, which is at least partially received in the guide tube (12) and projects out of the guide tube (12) at the other end, wherein a further connecting unit for connecting the spindle drive device (10) to a further superior assembly, i.e., not belonging to the spindle drive device (10), is provided at the end of the spindle projecting out of the guide tube (12).a drive assembly (20) with a drive unit, wherein a drive element driven by the drive unit surrounds the guide tube (12) and can be connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner, and wherein the drive unit is supported on a superior assembly or an element connected to it.