Articulating Hinge System for Pillarless Automotive Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive door systems require complex linkages and multiple pivot axes, increasing manufacturing complexity and costs, while also limiting the independent opening of doors in a common pillarless door opening.
Innovation Solution
An articulating hinge system using a translatable hinge, such as a gooseneck hinge, with a single pivot axis, actuator, and spring biasing, allowing doors to open independently by translating along a linear or non-linear path, and featuring latches and strikers for secure movement and operation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a linkage system with multiple pivot axes is used to allow independent door opening, then door independence is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is segmented into two independent door units, each with its own hinge assembly. The hinge assembly is further segmented into a fixed portion (attached to body pillar) and a movable portion (attached to door), connected through a latch-striker interface. This segmentation allows each door to operate independently while simplifying the overall mechanism compared to a complex linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex linkage system to achieve door independence, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple single-axis hinge combined with a latch-striker mechanism. The latch-striker interface provides the necessary constraint release, allowing the door to move from a closed constrained position to an open unconstrained position, achieving independence without complex linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a linkage system with multiple pivot axes is used, then door independence is achieved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into simple, manufacturable components: a fixed hinge portion, a movable hinge portion, a latch, and a striker. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a complex linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive components such as standard hinges, latches, and strikers that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These components are simpler and cheaper than complex linkage systems with multiple pivot axes, while still achieving the desired door independence functionality.
3Strength
If both front and rear doors are pivotally connected to the vehicle body, then structural support is provided, but door opening sequence is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system transitions from a static constrained state (doors held closed by latches) to a dynamic independent state (doors可以自由打开). The movable hinge portion allows the door to pivot about a single axis while the latch-striker mechanism dynamically releases constraints, enabling independent door opening while maintaining structural support when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch-striker mechanism acts as an intermediary between the door and body pillar. When latched, it provides structural support; when released, it allows independent door opening. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by providing both structural support and operational flexibility at different times in the door operation cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive vehicle is provided having a body with an opening without a pillar. First and second doors cover the opening, and a translatable hinge, such as a gooseneck hinge, connects the first door to the vehicle. The hinge is adapted for moving the first door away from the second door, and then allowing the first door to pivot to an open position about a single pivot axis. A striker is adapted for allowing a latch for latching the first door to move along the striker in a latched condition during translation of the hinge, and may include an elongated, angled striker bar for permitting the first door to move both along and outboard of the vehicle body during the opening sequence.