Adjustable Torque Rod for Variable Panel Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional end gate assemblies face challenges in counterbalancing the weight of additional mass from storage modules and stowed objects, leading to increased initial and peak closing efforts and dampened opening performance.
Innovation Solution
A variable output torque rod system featuring a telescoping torque rod with an adjustable slider block that increases the cross-sectional area and decreases the length, enhancing the stored energy to assist in opening and closing the end gate by adjusting the telescoping torque rod's dimensions to compensate for added mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional mass is stored in the end gate storage module, then storage capacity is improved, but closing effort and opening resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque rod system allows dynamic adjustment of the counterbalance mechanism. The adjustable component enables the system to adapt its mechanical properties (length and cross-sectional area) to compensate for varying mass loads in the storage module, maintaining optimal closing effort across different storage conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the torque rod (length and cross-sectional area) to adjust the counterbalance force. By modifying these parameters, the system compensates for the increased mass from stored objects, thereby maintaining acceptable closing effort levels
2Quantity of substance
If additional mass is stored in the end gate storage module, then storage capacity is improved, but opening performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable torque rod system dynamically adapts to the actual mass load by allowing modification of its mechanical properties. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the counterbalance force remains appropriate even when additional mass is stored, preserving ease of opening operation
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the length and cross-sectional area parameters of the torque rod, the system adjusts the stored elastic energy and counterbalance force to match the actual loading conditions, thereby maintaining smooth opening performance despite increased storage capacity
3Device complexity
If a fixed torque rod is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying mass loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed torque rod to a dynamic adjustable configuration. The ability to modify the torque rod dimensions allows the simple fixed design to adapt to varying mass loads, achieving versatility without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces adjustable parameters (length and cross-sectional area) to the torque rod design. This allows the same basic mechanism to serve multiple loading conditions, providing adaptability while maintaining relative simplicity through a single adjustable component
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 adjustable torque rod system effectively counterbalances the increased weight, reducing the effort required to open and close the end gate, maintaining efficient operation even with additional mass stored in the module.
Implementation Method 1
the telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and to release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a telescoping torque rod having a solid inner rod with a first end concentrically disposed in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first end fixed relative to a storage area, and wherein the solid inner rod includes a second end secured in a slider block relative to the panel. The telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area, and wherein the slider block is operative to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of the telescoping torque rod when the slider block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position.