Adaptive Vehicle Door Hinge Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertically-hinged vehicle doors require varying forces to open and close due to changes in vehicle orientation and mass, which existing power assist systems for horizontally-hinged doors cannot accommodate, leading to inconvenient operation on non-level ground.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors to measure vehicle parameters like mass, orientation, and angular velocity, and an actuator with adaptive damping to adjust the force required for opening and closing, ensuring controlled operation by adjusting the force and torque applied to the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a vertically-hinged door is used to maintain constant height during opening/closing, then the door structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the force required to open/close varies significantly on non-level ground making operation inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hinge axis adjustable between vertical and horizontal orientations. This allows the door system to adapt its configuration based on operating conditions: vertical hinge for level ground (simplified structure) and horizontal hinge for non-level ground (controlled operation), resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of hinge axis orientation from fixed to variable. By allowing the hinge axis to rotate between vertical and horizontal positions, the system can optimize performance for different ground conditions, maintaining both structural simplicity and operational convenience across varying environments
2Extent of automation
If existing power assist systems for horizontally-hinged doors are used, then powered opening/closing is achieved, but the systems cannot accommodate the varying force requirements of vertically-hinged doors on non-level ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power assist system that can handle both vertically-hinged and horizontally-hinged door configurations. The system incorporates sensors to detect hinge orientation and ground conditions, then automatically adjusts its control parameters to provide appropriate assistance for either door type, achieving both automation and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to continuously monitor door position, hinge orientation, and vehicle tilt angle. This feedback information is used by the control system to dynamically adjust the assistive force, ensuring proper operation across varying conditions while maintaining both automation and versatility
3Reliability
If vertically-hinged doors are used on non-level ground, then door operation becomes unsafe due to uncontrolled movement, but adding complex control systems increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic hinge axis orientation to passively improve safety. When the vehicle is on non-level ground, the hinge axis rotates to a horizontal orientation, which naturally provides more stable and predictable door movement. This dynamic adaptation improves reliability without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The door hinge system provides self-service by automatically adapting its orientation based on vehicle tilt conditions. The mechanical design allows the hinge axis to rotate to the appropriate angle (vertical or horizontal) based on gravitational forces and mounting geometry, providing safe operation without complex electronic controls
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 system provides a consistent and controlled opening and closing experience by accurately adjusting forces based on vehicle parameters, reducing the effort needed by users and preventing excessive force application, thus improving the operational quality of vertically-hinged doors.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator with adaptive damping to adjust the force required for opening and closing
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor comprises a mass sensor and the at least one vehicle parameter comprises the current mass of at least a portion of the door
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to assist systems for opening and closing vertically-hinged doors of vehicles. The systems may take various inputs into account, and may adjust the damping provided by an adaptive damper or provide an assistive force to make opening and closing the doors easier.