Vehicle Bonnet Hinge Arrangement Collision Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge arrangements for vehicle bonnets are complex, heavy, and difficult to mount, and they struggle to absorb frontal collision forces in a controlled manner, leading to potential bonnet intrusion into the windshield.
Innovation Solution
A simplified hinge arrangement with a first and second hinge member pivotally connected at a first pivot axis, featuring engagement means that allow controlled displacement to transfer longitudinal forces, reducing the risk of bonnet intrusion by geometrically guiding displacement and using resilient members or breakable holding members to manage force thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hinge arrangements are used to prevent bonnet intrusion, then safety is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hinge members into an integrated hinge assembly where the first and second hinge members work together as a unified structure. The engagement means are incorporated directly into the hinge members themselves, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge members are designed to perform multiple functions: providing the hinged connection for normal operation, absorbing collision forces through controlled deformation, and preventing bonnet intrusion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional safety components, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional hinge arrangements are used to prevent bonnet intrusion, then safety is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the force-absorbing functionality directly into the hinge members through integrated engagement means, the patent eliminates the need for separate heavy reinforcement components. The hinge members themselves are optimized to absorb collision forces, reducing overall weight while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge members are designed with specific geometric parameters and material properties that enable them to absorb collision forces effectively. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves the required safety performance with lighter weight compared to traditional over-engineered hinge arrangements.
3Force
If engagement means are designed to transfer longitudinal forces, then force absorption is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are designed with optimized geometric parameters that balance force absorption capability with manufacturing feasibility. The geometry is specifically tailored to distribute stresses evenly and achieve reliable force transfer without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge members may utilize composite material structures or hybrid material approaches that provide both the strength needed for force absorption and the ductility required for controlled deformation. This material selection enables effective force transfer while accommodating normal manufacturing variations.
4Ease of manufacture
If simplified hinge arrangements are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but force absorption capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means incorporate geometric parameters specifically optimized to enable force absorption through controlled deformation. These parameters are chosen to achieve adequate force absorption with standard manufacturing processes, balancing simplicity and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge members are designed to automatically absorb collision forces through their own structural deformation without requiring external active components or complex control systems. This self-service approach maintains force absorption capability while keeping the design simple and easy to manufacture.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a hinge arrangement (16, 116, 216) for a bonnet of a vehicle comprising a first hinge member (24, 224) adapted to be attached to a body (28) of the vehicle, and a second hinge member (26, 126) adapted to be attached to the bonnet. A first portion (50, 250) of the first hinge member comprises a first engagement means (40) and a first portion (54, 150) of the second hinge member comprises a second engagement means (38), which is arranged to engage with the first engagement means, when the second hinge member is subjected to a force having at least a longitudinal component. The first portion of the second hinge member is arranged to be displaceable by a predefined displacement in relation to the first portion of the first hinge member in order to obtain the engagement of the first and second engagement means, when the second hinge member is subjected to the force. The hinge arrangement is arranged such that the predefined displacement occurs in a zone (Z) of the hinge arrangement being defined in the first hinge member as being above and rearward of the first engagement means, and in the second hinge member as being rearward of the second engagement means.