Vehicle Closure Member Power Hinge Assembly for Extended Swing Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle closure member systems do not provide extended swing paths, limiting access and egress, especially for larger cargo or in scenarios where manual operation is cumbersome or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle closure member system featuring a power hinge assembly with an electric motor, main link, drive link, supporting link, and spring-loaded cam assembly, allowing the closure member to move at least 100 degrees from the closed position to a fully open position, and utilizing different swing paths during opening and closing sequences, controlled by a module responsive to predefined prompts or object detection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional hinge assembly is used for the closure member, then the structure is simple, but the swing path is limited and cannot provide extended access
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple independent components: a fixed hinge assembly, a movable hinge assembly, and a power hinge assembly. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the closure member to achieve extended swing motion through coordinated movement of these segmented components rather than a single rigid hinge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable hinge assembly introduces an additional degree of freedom by moving along the swing path of the closure member. This transforms the traditional single-axis rotation into a two-dimensional motion path, enabling the closure member to swing through angles greater than 100 degrees while maintaining protection of the hinge components.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation of the closure member is used, then the structure is simple, but operation is cumbersome and impractical for large cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The power hinge assembly operates autonomously to move the closure member between closed and open positions without requiring manual effort from the user. The system includes a control module that can automatically activate the power hinge assembly in response to predefined prompts or object detection signals, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of the closure member is replaced with an automated power hinge assembly that uses an electric motor to provide the necessary torque and motion. This substitution transforms the mechanical system from user-operated to motor-driven, significantly improving ease of operation for large cargo while managing the added complexity through integrated control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the closure member swings through extended angles, then access for cargo is improved, but the hinge assembly becomes vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The movable hinge assembly is positioned and configured in advance to move along the predetermined swing path of the closure member. This preliminary positioning ensures that the hinge assemblies remain within protected zones during the extended 100-degree swing, preventing exposure to external damage while maintaining the adaptability needed for various cargo access scenarios.
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
Enables efficient and automated access to vehicle interiors for loading/unloading cargo, protecting the hinge assemblies from damage, and allowing remote operation, enhancing the speed and convenience of cargo exchange without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The electric motor includes a drive shaft configured to rotate about a primary pivot axis to move the drive link along an arced path
Implementation Method 2
the power hinge assembly further includes a spring loaded cam assembly that includes a spring, a pawl, and a roller that is mounted to the pawl
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary closure member systems for motor vehicles may include one or more power hinge assemblies, non-powered hinge assemblies, or both and are configured to displace a closure member to a fully open position of at least 100 degrees relative to its closed position. The hinge assemblies may embody a multi-axis design for moving the closure member between the closed and fully open positions. The closure member systems may be further configured to move the closure member along different swing paths during an opening sequence and a closing sequence.