Vehicle Flap Actuator Layout for Large Swivel Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for vehicle flaps have limited stroke and may protrude into the opening area, hindering their use, especially when large swivel angles are required, and there is a need for improved space utilization and storage solutions for horizontally displaceable vehicle doors.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with an electric motor, output unit, and mounting unit configured to provide rotational displacement of vehicle flaps, utilizing a gear unit and clutch mechanism to optimize space usage and allow horizontal displacement of vehicle doors, featuring a parallel and spaced center axis design to minimize protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable-length actuator is used to achieve large swivel range, then the rotational displacement capability is improved, but the actuator protrudes into the opening area of the vehicle flap, hindering its use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the actuator configuration from a linear extension along the flap opening direction to a rotational mechanism positioned at the hinge area. The output shaft rotates about an axis substantially parallel to and spaced from the output unit's rotation axis, creating motion in a different spatial dimension that achieves large swivel range without protruding into the opening area.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator is arranged directly at the hinge area, then the opening area is kept clear, but the installation space utilization must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spatial arrangement where the output shaft is positioned offset from the output unit's rotation axis. This dynamic configuration allows the actuator components to be arranged in a compact manner at the hinge area, optimizing the use of available installation space while maintaining clearance in the opening area.
3Volume of moving object
If the center axis of the output shaft is spaced apart from and parallel to the axis of rotation of the output unit, then installation space is optimized, but the mechanical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting unit as an intermediary component that facilitates the force-transmitting connection between the output shaft and the output unit. This mounting unit simplifies the mechanical connection despite the offset parallel axis configuration, making the spaced arrangement practical while maintaining optimized installation space.
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 actuator enables efficient rotational displacement of vehicle flaps over large angles without obstructing the opening area, optimizing installation space and facilitating horizontal door movement, suitable for vehicles with horizontally pivoted doors.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor which has a output shaft with a central axis about which the output shaft rotates in response to activation of the electric motor, and which is configured to provide a drive force
Implementation Method 2
an output unit which is in force-transmitting connection with the electric motor
Implementation Method 3
a braking unit for safety
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an actuator for the rotary drive of a vehicle flap. The actuator includes an electric motor, which has a output shaft with a center axis, an output unit, which is in force-transmitting connection with the electric motor in such a manner that activation of the electric motor causes a rotational displacement of the output unit about an axis of rotation of the output unit, and a mounting unit which is configured to support the actuator in force-transmitting connection with a superordinate assembly relative to the drive unit such that, upon activation of the electric motor, a displacement of the drive unit relative to the mounting unit takes place. Also disclosed is a storage apparatus for a vehicle door and a motor vehicle.