Dual-Axis Charge Port Door Hinge for Reduced Lateral Profile
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charge port door designs often result in a larger lateral profile when open, making it difficult to park adjacent vehicles and increasing the risk of the charge port door being hit by other vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charge port door assembly featuring a secondary hinge assembly with a primary hinge rotatable about a first axis and a selectively rotatable first attachment structure with respect to a second attachment structure about a second axis, allowing the door support structure to transition between an unfolded and a folded position, thereby adjusting the lateral extent of the charge port door cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charge port door is designed to open outward from the vehicle, then the charge port is accessible for charging, but the lateral profile increases making it difficult to park adjacent vehicles and increasing collision risk
Solution Approach 1:
The charge port door is designed with a two-stage hinge system that allows dynamic repositioning. The door can transition from a static open position to a dynamic folded position against the vehicle body, adapting the lateral profile based on operational needs versus parking constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary hinge assembly introduces a second rotational axis perpendicular to the primary hinge axis. This allows the door to rotate in multiple dimensions - first opening outward on the primary axis, then folding back against the body on the secondary axis, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to reduce lateral extension
2Ease of operation
If the charge port door cover extends farther laterally when open, then the charge port is more accessible, but it increases the risk of being hit by other vehicles during parking
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly transitions from a static extended position to a dynamic retracted position. When not in use, the door folds back against the vehicle body, dynamically reducing its lateral footprint and eliminating the collision hazard while maintaining charge port accessibility when needed
3Length of moving object
If a secondary hinge assembly is added to allow folding, then the lateral profile is reduced when folded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is segmented into two independent rotational assemblies: a primary hinge for outward opening and a secondary hinge for folding back. This segmentation allows each hinge to perform its specific function with simple rotational mechanics, avoiding the need for a single complex multi-degree-of-freedom mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary hinge assembly is nested within the door support structure, with the first attachment structure containing the second attachment structure. This nesting allows the folding mechanism to be integrated into the existing door assembly without requiring separate external components, thereby 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 solution allows the charge port door cover to extend laterally either more than or corresponding to the side mirror, depending on the position, thereby reducing the overall lateral profile when folded, enhancing parking convenience and reducing the risk of collision.
Implementation Method 1
the secondary hinge assembly includes an elastic structure that biases the first attachment structure towards the second attachment structure when the first attachment structure is lifted away from the second attachment structure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle charge port door assembly includes a door support structure and a hinge structure comprising a primary hinge rotatable about a first axis. The door support structure includes a first attachment structure, and the hinge structure comprises a second attachment structure. The first attachment structure and the second attachment structure form a secondary hinge assembly in which the first attachment structure is selectively rotatable with respect to the second attachment structure about a second axis that extends in a different direction from the first axis.