Vehicle Vent Drive Unit With Cam Blocking for Independent Blade Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive units for kinematic systems in motor vehicles, such as those used for pivoting blades or air guide elements, lack a mechanism to prevent unintended movement of output elements, particularly when multiple elements need to be controlled independently.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit incorporating a cam control unit with a radial cam and sliding block that allows for independent movement of two output elements, featuring a non-movement block that can be actuated to prevent movement, utilizing a radial cam with cam branches and a shifting gate to consecutively move the sliding block between cam branches, and a return cam to reset the sliding block, ensuring the non-movement block can be engaged to block output elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drive unit with radial cam and sliding block is used to independently move two output elements, then the independent control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional blocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The non-movement block is integrated into the existing sliding block structure, combining the movement control function with the blocking function into a single component. This reduces device complexity while maintaining independent control capability, as the sliding block serves dual purposes: moving output elements via cam branches and blocking them via the non-movement block when positioned at the blocking section.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding block is designed as a multi-functional element that can both move the output elements (when engaging with cam branches) and block them (when positioned at the blocking section). This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for separate blocking mechanisms and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a non-movement block is added to prevent unintended movement of output elements, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-movement block is merged with the sliding block structure, creating a unified component that performs both movement and blocking functions. This integration improves reliability by ensuring the blocking mechanism is inherently linked to the movement control system, while avoiding the complexity of adding a completely separate blocking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding block automatically performs the blocking function through its own movement along the radial cam. When the sliding block reaches the blocking section, it inherently engages the non-movement block to prevent unintended movement of output elements. This self-service mechanism improves reliability without requiring external control systems or additional complex components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the radial cam includes a blocking section to actuate the non-movement block, then the control precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking section is pre-integrated into the radial cam structure during manufacturing. The blocking section's position and geometry are predetermined to automatically engage the non-movement block at the correct moment during the sliding block's movement cycle. This preliminary action ensures precise control without requiring complex assembly steps or additional adjustment mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial cam is segmented into distinct functional sections: cam branches for movement, return cam for resetting, and blocking section for preventing unintended movement. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity. The blocking section can be manufactured as an integrated feature of the radial cam using standard machining processes.
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 independent and precise control of output elements, preventing unintended movement by using a non-movement block that can be actuated to block both output elements, ensuring they can be moved into any desired position without sensors, enhancing the reliability and control of the kinematic system.
Implementation Method 1
a radial cam (3), which can be moved relative to the sliding block (16)... the radial cam (3) has at least one ramification into at least two cam branches (9, 10) and a shifting gate (13)... When the sliding block (16), during a movement of the radial cam (3) relative to the sliding block (16), reaches the blocking section (15)
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit for a kinematic system in a motor vehicle. In particular, the drive unit is provided for independently moving two movable elements, in particular blades for guiding an air current of an air vent. The movable elements are driven by way of an actuator plate, which includes a radial cam rotating and radially displacing a slide, which consecutively rotates two output elements. In a blocking position, the slide blocks the output elements to prevent a rotation.