Vehicle Flap Push-Push Opening Without Seal Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flap devices for vehicles, such as fuel filler flaps, require an initial inward movement to open, which disrupts the seal between the flap and the base element, making it unsuitable for sealed arrangements and complicating the actuation process.
Innovation Solution
A flap device with a separate actuating element that applies pressure to the push-push mechanism, allowing the flap to transition directly from a closed to an open position without initial inward movement, ensuring a maintained seal and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flap is pushed inward to trigger the push-push mechanism, then the flap can be opened, but the seal between the flap and base element is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is separated from the flap proper, allowing the sealing function and actuation function to be independent. The flap can maintain full contact with the base element while the separate actuating element transmits force to the push-push mechanism without compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary between the user's actuation force and the push-push mechanism. It transmits the opening force without requiring the flap itself to move inward, thus preserving the seal while enabling mechanism activation.
2Reliability
If a seal is provided between the flap and base element, then sealing is improved, but the flap cannot be initially moved inward to activate the push-push mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the flap into a sealing portion and a separate actuating element, the seal can remain in full contact with the base element while the actuating element independently transmits opening force to the push-push mechanism without requiring inward movement of the sealed flap.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element acts as a mediator that allows force transmission to the push-push mechanism without disrupting the seal between the flap and base element. It provides a separate pathway for actuation that does not compromise sealing integrity.
3Strength
If the flap is held tightly against the base element by a seal, then sealing force is improved, but initial movement of the flap in the closed position is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and actuation function are segmented into separate components. The flap can be held tightly against the base element by the seal while the separate actuating element transmits opening force to the push-push mechanism without requiring movement of the sealed flap.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary that allows the seal to maintain strong holding force while enabling mechanism activation. It transmits the opening force without requiring the flap to overcome the seal's holding force through initial inward movement.
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
Enables a sealed arrangement between the flap and the base element, simplifies the actuation process, and allows for easy integration of a seal, enhancing the usability and design of the flap device.
Implementation Method 1
The flap is held resiliently in its open position by means of a spring element
Implementation Method 2
which can be transferred from a closed state to an open state and from the open state to the closed state by alternately exerting a compressive force on the push-push mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a flap device for a vehicle, comprising a base element (10) by which at least one opening (34) is defined, a flap (36) which is movably held on the base element (10) between at least one closed position covering and thereby closing at least one partial area of the opening (34) and at least one open position releasing the partial area, and a push-push mechanism (16) which can be moved from a closed state to an open state and from the open state to the closed state by alternately applying a pressure force to the push-push mechanism (16), in which the push-push mechanism (16) can be moved from the open state to the closed position by moving the flap (36) from the open position.wherein, when the push-push mechanism (16) is moved from the closed state to the open state, an opening movement of the flap (36) from the closed position to the open position or in the direction of the open position can be effected by means of the push-push mechanism (16). An actuating element (48), which is separate from the flap (36) and held on the flap (36) with limited movement, and is thus pivotable with the flap (36), is provided, via which the pressure force can be alternately exerted on the push-push mechanism (16) and the opening movement of the flap (36) can be effected by means of the push-push mechanism (16).