Adjustable Hinge Assembly for Tailgate Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current automobile tailgate hinge designs require complex and time-consuming processes to adjust and realign the tailgate for proper alignment with the automobile body, often necessitating multiple tools and leading to misalignment, poor sealing, and uncontrolled handling.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable hinge assembly with x, y, and z-direction adjustment screws allows for simple and controlled adjustment of the tailgate position by enabling the first and second hinge members to be positioned on their respective mounting plates, ensuring proper fitting after installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional hinge designs are used, then the tailgate can be mounted to the automobile body, but the adjustment process becomes complicated and time-consuming requiring multiple tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment processVSAvoidhinge assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction adjustments) into a single integrated hinge assembly structure. The first and second hinge members with their respective adjustment screws work together as one unified system, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing the number of tools required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic repositioning of the tailgate after installation. The adjustment screws enable the hinge members to be repositioned along the mounting plates in multiple directions, providing adaptability without requiring complete disassembly and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge is loosened for adjustment, then the tailgate position can be changed, but the handling of the tailgate becomes uncontrolled and unwieldy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetailgate positioningVSAvoidtailgate handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is divided into separate adjustable components (first hinge member, second hinge member, adjustment screws) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows for controlled adjustment of the tailgate position without requiring complete loosening, as each component can be adjusted separately while remaining attached to its mounting plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment screws are pre-configured on the hinge members, allowing for controlled incremental adjustments. This preliminary setup of adjustment mechanisms enables precise positioning without the need for complete loosening and re tightening of the entire hinge assembly, maintaining control throughout the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple tools are used for hinge adjustment, then the hinge can be realigned, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetailgate alignmentVSAvoidadjustment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly incorporates multiple adjustment functions (x-direction, y-direction, z-direction) within a single integrated structure. The adjustment screws on both hinge members work together as a unified system, allowing comprehensive realignment to be achieved with minimal tooling and in a single operational sequence, thereby improving adjustment speed without sacrificing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the hinge is tightly secured, then the tailgate remains stable, but adjustment becomes difficult without complete disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetailgate stabilityVSAvoidadjustment accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11332966B2Adjustable hinge assembly for automobile tailgate

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 VOLVO CAR CORP

AI summary

This disclosure relates to an adjustable hinge assembly for an automobile tailgate. The hinge assembly includes a first mounting plate configured for mounting to an automobile body, a first hinge member attached to the first mounting plate, a second mounting plate configured for mounting to a tailgate, and a second hinge member attached to the second mounting plate. The first and second hinge members are hingedly connected. Adjustment screws are positioned on the hinge assembly to adjust the position of the first hinge member on the first mounting plate in the x and y-directions. An adjustment screw is positioned on the hinge assembly to adjust the position of the second hinge member on the second mounting plate in the z-direction. This is accomplished with minimal effort and tooling.