Vehicle Hinge Drive With Integrated Brake for Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle hinge driving apparatuses have a large volume due to complex geartrains, leading to space inefficiencies in vehicles and difficulties in safely protecting actuators from overload.
Innovation Solution
A compact vehicle hinge driving apparatus with a brake unit mounted on the transmission mechanism, which converts back drive torque into brake torque, preventing damage to the transmission mechanism and actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex geartrain transmission mechanism is used, then the actuator can be protected from overload through a brake unit, but the volume of the vehicle hinge driving apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake unit is nested within the transmission mechanism housing, with the friction member positioned inside the hollow cylindrical structure. The brake unit components (friction member, spring, adjusting member) are arranged concentrically around the transmission shaft, utilizing the internal space of the housing rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism housing serves multiple functions: it encloses and protects the transmission shaft and gears, provides structural support, and simultaneously houses the brake unit components. The hollow cylindrical housing acts as both a structural element and a containment structure for the braking system.
2Power
If a complex geartrain transmission mechanism is used, then torque can be transmitted from the actuator, but the space in vehicle compartments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission shaft and gears are nested within the hollow cylindrical housing, which contains the brake unit components. This concentric arrangement minimizes the radial and axial dimensions of the entire assembly, allowing it to fit in confined spaces such as vehicle door panels and compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism utilizes a compact three-dimensional arrangement where the transmission shaft rotates within the hollow housing, and the brake unit is positioned in the radial direction. This spatial optimization reduces the overall envelope dimensions of the driving apparatus.
3Volume of moving object
If the geartrain arrangement is constrained, then the apparatus can be compact, but the output torque is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The friction member acts as an intermediary between the transmission shaft and the brake force application point. By positioning the friction member in direct contact with the transmission shaft within the hollow housing, efficient torque transmission is achieved without requiring additional external braking components that would increase volume.
4Power
If friction between gears is high, then torque transmission is efficient, but the geartrain efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brake unit replaces the need for high gear friction by providing a separate, controlled friction-based braking mechanism. The friction member presses against the transmission shaft to provide braking force, independent of the gear mesh friction, allowing the gears to operate with minimal friction for efficient torque transmission.
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 compact design minimizes space loss in vehicles, and the brake unit effectively protects the transmission mechanism and actuator from overload, ensuring stable door component positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the brake unit may include a friction member frictionally contacting the transmission shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hinge driving apparatus includes an actuator, a housing connected to the actuator, an output shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, a transmission mechanism configured to transmit a torque from the actuator to the output shaft, and a brake unit mounted on the transmission mechanism. A method for providing a vehicle hinge driving apparatus is also provided.