Vehicle Hinge Driving Apparatus with Integrated Brake Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle hinge driving apparatuses have a complex structure with multiple rotation axes, leading to a large size and volume, which occupies significant space in vehicles, and lacks a brake unit to maintain the open state of door components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hinge driving apparatus with a brake unit that includes a first and second friction disk and a spring to generate brake torque, allowing the door component to be stably maintained in an open state without relying on external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a complex geartrain including helical gear, worm, and wheel gear is used to transmit torque, then the transmission function is achieved, but the volume and size of the driving apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex geartrain is divided into separate functional modules: a worm gear module for torque transmission and a brake unit module for position holding. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and reduces the overall volume by eliminating redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake unit is nested within the housing structure, with the friction disks positioned concentrically around the output shaft. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and reduces the external dimensions of the driving apparatus while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotation axes perpendicular to each other are used for power transmission, then the transmission direction is changed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple perpendicular axes to change power transmission direction, the invention inverts the approach by using a single-axis worm gear that naturally provides both torque multiplication and directional control through its self-locking characteristic, simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm gear serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque, changes the direction of power transmission, and provides a self-locking mechanism that maintains the door position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If no brake unit is included in the driving apparatus, then the structure is simpler, but the open state of the door component cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The brake unit is designed to engage automatically through the self-locking characteristic of the worm gear, which naturally prevents reverse rotation. This self-service mechanism maintains the door position without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, achieving reliable position holding with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction disks act as an intermediary braking mechanism between the worm gear and the output shaft. When engaged, they provide additional position holding capability by creating friction resistance, working in conjunction with the worm gear's self-locking feature to reliably maintain the door in the open position.
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 effectively reduces the space occupied by the hinge driving mechanism within the vehicle while ensuring the door component remains open due to the provided brake torque, enhancing operational efficiency and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
the brake unit may include a first friction disk mounted on the output shaft, and a second friction disk mounted on the housing, and the first friction disk may contact the second friction disk
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment vehicle hinge driving apparatus includes an actuator, a housing connected to the actuator, an output shaft having an axis aligned with an axis of the housing, a transmission mechanism configured to transmit a torque from the actuator to the output shaft, and a brake unit configured to provide a brake torque to the output shaft.