Vehicle Cover Actuator with Push-Push Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating apparatuses for vehicle covers have a large space requirement and are vulnerable to water and dust intrusion, which can lead to operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact actuating apparatus with push-push kinematics that includes a rotatable and axially movable pusher, a spring for preload, an actuating sleeve with a helical groove, a control sleeve, and a control ring, ensuring reliable operation and protection against environmental factors while allowing for a modular and flexible design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuating apparatus uses a conventional design with separate locking and actuating mechanisms, then the locking function is reliable, but the space requirement becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and the actuating mechanism into a single integrated pusher component. The pusher has a first region that interacts with the cover for locking/unlocking and a second region that interacts with an actuator for movement control. This merging of functions into one component achieves reliable locking while significantly reducing the overall space requirement compared to conventional separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the locking element (through its first region engaging with the cover) and the actuating element (through its second region being moved by the actuator). This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing space while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the housing opening is made large to accommodate the pusher in all axial positions, then the pusher can move freely, but protection against water and dust intrusion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher is nested within the housing such that only a portion of it (the first region that interacts with the cover) needs to extend through the housing opening. The second region that interacts with the actuator remains positioned within the housing or in a protected area. This nesting arrangement allows the pusher to move freely in axial directions while minimizing the housing opening size, thereby maintaining protection against water and dust intrusion.
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 apparatus achieves reliable and secure locking and unlocking of vehicle covers with a compact design, reduced space requirements, and enhanced protection against dust and moisture, enabling efficient and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring in the housing, said spring preloading the pusher into a position extended furthest out of the housing
Implementation Method 2
at least one actuating groove that extends at least partially in a helical manner about the longitudinal axis of the actuating sleeve is formed, at least one actuating protrusion of the pusher engaging in said actuating groove with the pusher introduced into the actuating sleeve, such that, during an axial relative movement between the actuating sleeve and pusher, the pusher is also rotated about its longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating apparatus for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle, having push-push kinematics which interact with the cover.