Bi-Axis Door Hinge Mechanism for Adaptive Swing and Scissor Opening Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle door hinge mechanisms face challenges in space efficiency, as swing open doors require significant side clearance and scissor doors project above the vehicle's roofline, making them unsuitable for low-ceiling parking garages.
Innovation Solution
A bi-axis hinge mechanism with an electronic controller, human machine interface, and sensing apparatus that selects between swing and scissor opening modes based on available space, using latching and actuation mechanisms to facilitate the preferred mode while inhibiting the other, allowing for both types of door opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a swing open door is used, then the door can be easily opened for ingress or egress, but a considerable amount of side space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism allows dynamic switching between swing open mode (rotating about vertical axis) and scissor open mode (rotating about horizontal transverse axis). The door can adapt its opening behavior based on available space, using the vertical axis rotation for ease of operation when space permits, and horizontal axis rotation when side space is constrained.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to provide multiple door opening modes (both swing open and scissor open) within a single mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the system to accommodate different spatial constraints while maintaining ease of door operation, making the vehicle adaptable to various parking environments.
2Area of stationary object
If a scissor opening door is used, then very little side space is required, but the door projects vertically above the normal roof line
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables dynamic selection between scissor open mode (horizontal axis rotation minimizing side space) and swing open mode (vertical axis rotation avoiding roof line projection). The system can switch between these modes based on whether vertical space or side space is the limiting constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-mode hinge mechanism provides both scissor opening capability (for minimal side space requirement) and swing opening capability (for avoiding vertical projection). This universality allows the vehicle to operate in both low-side-space environments and low-vertical-space environments like parking garages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge mechanism providing both swing and scissor opening modes is used, then adaptability to different parking environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both swing open and scissor open hinge mechanisms into a single integrated hinge assembly. By merging these functions into one device with shared components, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms, while maintaining adaptability to different parking environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle is disclosed having a door that is attached to the motor vehicle by a hinge mechanism providing both full swing opening of the door and full scissor opening of the door. The motor vehicle includes an apparatus to assist with the selection of a preferred mode of door opening based upon an assessment of the surroundings in which the motor vehicle 1 rests. The assessment of the surroundings and selection of the preferred mode of door opening is carried out by an electronic controller based upon information received from a sensing apparatus.