Two-Piece Cursor and PWM Motor Control for Vehicle Cargo Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered cargo cover systems for vehicles face challenges in efficient and reliable operation, particularly in maintaining smooth movement and preventing rattling or vibration when closing, due to mechanical constraints and lack of precise control over motor speed.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece cursor system with a main body and nozzle portion, allowing for 'snap fit' engagement and pivotally receiving the cargo cover, combined with a motor control mechanism using pulse width modulation to manage speed and apply an overstroke force, ensuring smooth operation and preventing vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor is used to drive the cargo cover between closed and open positions, then automation and ease of operation are improved, but mechanical constraints and vibration occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pulse width modulation (PWM) to control motor speed, dynamically adjusting the operating parameters to prevent vibration and rattling. The motor controller varies the duty cycle to achieve smooth acceleration and deceleration, eliminating mechanical instability while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through controlled acceleration and deceleration phases during cargo cover operation. The motor controller applies periodic control signals to create smooth motion profiles, preventing mechanical constraints and vibration while maintaining automated functionality.
2Device complexity
If the cursor is designed as a single integrated piece, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and ease of repair are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cursor into two separate components: a main body portion and a nozzle portion. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be removed and replaced independently without removing the entire cursor from the rail, enhancing adaptability and ease of repair while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamically reconfigurable cursor system where the nozzle portion can be attached or detached from the main body. This dynamic configuration capability allows the system to adapt to different needs (such as replacing worn nozzles or upgrading to different nozzle types) without redesigning the entire cursor assembly.
3Productivity
If the motor operates at high speed to improve productivity, then opening and closing time is reduced, but vibration and rattling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulse width modulation to dynamically control motor speed parameters. The controller adjusts the duty cycle to optimize the balance between operation speed and vibration prevention, allowing high-speed operation when needed while eliminating rattling and vibration through precise speed control during critical phases of movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A two piece cursor for use with an opening and closing mechanism for a powered cargo cover of a vehicle. The two piece cursor having: a main body portion; and a nozzle portion, wherein the nozzle portion is removably secured to the main body portion.