Motor Vehicle Bonnet Hinge Mounting Plate Vibration Damping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The front hood of motor vehicles experiences vibrations due to air flow vortices and pedestrian collisions, which affect the perceived quality and safety, particularly in pedestrian impact scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating elastic means between the fixing plate and the exterior panel, along with a stiffening lining, to create a damping system that reduces vibrations and enhances safety by providing a flexible support and energy absorption during impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the front hood is made large to facilitate engine access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the vibrations generated by air flow vortices increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine accessVSAvoidvibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces elastic means as an intermediary element between the outer panel and the fixing plate. This mediator absorbs and dampens vibrations generated by the large front hood when subjected to air flow vortices, while still allowing the hood to maintain its large size for engine access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the hood assembly by introducing elastic elements that modify the stiffness and damping characteristics of the structure, allowing it to withstand vortex-induced vibrations while maintaining the required large dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Weight of moving object

If the front hood is made flexible to meet mass constraints, then the weight is reduced, but the safety in pedestrian impact is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehood massVSAvoidpedestrian safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making specific regions of the hood (particularly around the hinge area) more rigid through the addition of elastic means and reinforcement structures, while the rest of the hood remains lightweight and flexible to meet mass constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining the outer panel with elastic means and stiffening lining, creating a composite structure that achieves both lightweight properties and enhanced safety performance in pedestrian impact scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-generated harmful factors

If elastic means are added between the fixing plate and outer panel to reduce vibrations, then the vibrations are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationsVSAvoidhood structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the elastic means within the existing clearance between the outer panel and the fixing plate, and positioning the stiffening lining within the hood structure. This nested arrangement reduces vibrations without requiring additional external components or significantly increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution effectively reduces vibrations, improves the perceived quality of the vehicle, and enhances safety by absorbing shock and reducing the impact force on pedestrians during collisions.

Implementation Method 1

comprises elastic means between the fixing plate and the outer panel in order to hold the outer panel via the elastic means at the clearance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The invention adds a spring element under the outer panel, which helps to smooth out vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

a lining for stiffening the outer panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructural reinforcement:

Implementation Method 4

enhances safety by absorbing shock and reducing the impact force on pedestrians during collisions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4353570A1Mounting plate for a motor vehicle bonnet hinge
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4353570A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4353570A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4353570A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a front hood (18) for a motor vehicle. The front hood, or engine hood, comprises: an outer panel (40); a stiffening lining (22) for the outer panel; a clearance (24) between the outer panel and the stiffening lining; and a mounting plate (26) for a hinge. The mounting plate is disposed in the clearance and against the stiffening lining to reinforce the hinge anchorage area. The front hood further includes elastic means (30), such as an elastomer cord, between the mounting plate and the outer panel to hold the outer panel in place within the clearance. The invention also provides a motor vehicle.