Deployable Bonnet Spring Hinge Retards Raising Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable bonnet systems for pedestrian protection in vehicle collisions face issues such as oscillation and sudden movement, leading to potential injuries, and are often complex, heavy, and costly due to numerous parts and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A deployable bonnet system featuring a hinge mechanism with a spring member that tensions to retard the bonnet's raising movement, providing a controlled and stable deployment, and automatically returns to the closed position after activation, utilizing a shear screw or pyrotechnical means for engagement, and a compact design with few parts for reduced weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an inflatable member is used to lift the bonnet to the impact position, then the bonnet can be raised quickly, but the bonnet may oscillate or flutter and not reach the desired position within the required time limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hinge mechanism with a spring member as an intermediary between the actuator and the bonnet. The spring member acts as a mediator that smooths out the rapid motion from the actuator, converting it into a controlled, oscillation-free raising motion that reliably reaches the impact position within the required time limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member is pre-loaded and positioned to provide cushioning during the bonnet raising process. This beforehand cushioning absorbs shocks and prevents oscillations before they can occur, ensuring smooth and reliable bonnet deployment to the impact position.
2Reliability
If many different parts are used in the deployable bonnet system, then the system can achieve the desired function, but the system becomes heavy and requires large packaging volume as well as being expensive and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism incorporates the connection between the actuator and bonnet, the oscillation control through the spring member, and the position control features, all in one unified structure. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining reliable deployable bonnet functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical connection, motion control, oscillation damping, and position control. This universality allows a single mechanism to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components, reducing overall system complexity.
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 system ensures a robust, reliable, and cost-effective pedestrian protection by smoothly raising the bonnet to increase the distance from engine components, reducing the risk of injury and simplifying assembly, while maintaining visibility by automatically lowering the bonnet after deployment.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge mechanism further comprises a spring member which is adapted to be tensioned when the bonnet moves from the closed position to the raised position such that the raising movement of the bonnet is retarded.
Implementation Method 2
The braking force of the spring member may dampen any oscillating movements of the bonnet such that the bonnet smoothly reaches the raised position.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a deployable bonnet system for pedestrian protection in the event of collision with a pedestrian. The system comprises a hinge mechanism (10) providing a hinged connection between a bonnet (3) and a body structure of a vehicle (1) and an actuator (7) adapted to press the bonnet (3) from a closed position (A) to a raised position (C). The hinge mechanism (10) comprises a first hinge member (12) connected to the bonnet (3) and a second hinge member (14) pivotally arranged to a body structure member (16) connected to the body structure of the vehicle. The hinge mechanism (10) is adapted to have a first state in which the first and second hinge members (12, 14) are releasably engaged to each other and a second state in which the first and second hinge members (12, 14) are released and pivotally engaged to each other. The hinge mechanism (10) further comprises a spring member (20) which is adapted to be tensioned when the bonnet (3) moves from the closed position (A) to the raised position (C) such that the raising movement of the bonnet (3) is retarded.