Active Hood Hinge Link Mechanism for Pedestrian Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active hood hinge devices for vehicles have a limited lifting distance of the hood bracket, which is insufficient for pedestrian protection, and the large actuator size makes them unsuitable for compact vehicles due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
An active hood hinge device with a link structure that includes an actuator bracket, a locking lever, a long link, a short link, and a stopper bracket, which, when actuated, increases the lifting distance of the hood bracket, allowing for compact actuator design and installation in compact vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuator directly operates the actuator bracket, then the structure is simple, but the lifting distance of the hood bracket is not large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces connection links as intermediary elements between the actuator and the hood bracket. The actuator operates the actuator bracket, which then operates the hood bracket through multiple connection links (first connection link, second connection link, third connection link). This intermediary mechanism amplifies the lifting distance of the hood bracket while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Force
If the actuator capacity is increased to directly operate the actuator bracket, then the lifting capability is sufficient, but the actuator size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The connection links act as mechanical intermediaries that transmit and amplify force from the actuator to the hood bracket. This allows the use of a smaller actuator with sufficient lifting capability, as the mechanical advantage provided by the link mechanism multiplies the actuator's output force to achieve the required lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the force transmission path into multiple segments through separate connection links. This segmentation allows each link to be optimized for specific force transmission requirements, enabling the use of a more compact actuator while maintaining sufficient overall lifting capability through the distributed mechanical advantage of multiple links.
3Force
If the actuator size is large, then the lifting capability is sufficient, but it interferes with the cowl panel and cannot be installed in compact vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The connection links serve as intermediaries that allow force transmission over extended distances without requiring a large actuator. This enables the actuator to be positioned in a more compact configuration that does not interfere with the cowl panel, thereby improving adaptability to compact vehicles while maintaining sufficient lifting capability through the mechanical advantage of the link mechanism.
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 increased lifting distance of the hood bracket enhances pedestrian protection while enabling a compact actuator design, facilitating easier installation and reduced weight, making the system adaptable to compact vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the long link is unfolded and rotated from the actuator bracket by a rotating force of the locking lever
Implementation Method 2
the locking lever is driven by an operating force of an actuator
Implementation Method 3
a hood bracket rotatably coupled with the long link and fixedly coupled to a hood panel at opposite sides thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an active hood hinge device for vehicles. The active hood hinge device includes an actuator bracket rotatably coupled to a mounting bracket of a vehicle body at one side, a locking lever rotatably coupled to the actuator bracket and driven by an operating force of an actuator, a long link rotatably coupled to the actuator bracket, and unfolded and rotated from the actuator bracket by a rotating force of the locking lever, and a hood bracket rotatably coupled with the long link and fixedly coupled to a hood panel at opposite sides.