Vehicle Closure Panel Counterbalance With Variable Friction Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current counterbalance mechanisms for closure panels in vehicles are bulky, require additional support systems, increase operator effort, and are affected by temperature fluctuations, with inadequate friction control to maintain the third position hold during opening and closing operations.
Innovation Solution
A friction-based counterbalance mechanism that includes a sliding friction mechanism with a shaped sleeve and a resilient friction element, providing both rotational and sliding friction to assist in opening and closing the closure panel, allowing for adjustable friction based on the panel's geometry and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hold systems are used to maintain third position hold, then the closure panel can be held at intermediate positions, but the system becomes bulky and occupies valuable vehicle cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hold system functionality with the counterbalance mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The friction-based hold mechanism is incorporated within the existing counterbalance structure, eliminating the need for separate bulky hold systems and gas struts, thereby maintaining third position hold capability while preserving vehicle cargo space.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalance mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: providing counterbalance force during panel movement, maintaining third position hold through friction control, and assisting manual open/close operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated hold systems and support mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If additional lift support systems are added to assist closure panel operation, then operator effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lift support functionality into the counterbalance mechanism itself through friction-based control. The same mechanism that provides counterbalance also assists manual operation and maintains hold positions, eliminating the need for multiple separate support systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction coefficient in the counterbalance mechanism is adjusted to provide appropriate resistance and assistance during manual operation. By controlling the friction parameter, the system optimizes operator effort requirements without adding complex mechanical support systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If constant friction is applied in the counterbalance mechanism, then the mechanism provides consistent resistance, but it cannot adapt to temperature variations and geometric changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient friction element that dynamically adjusts the friction force based on operational conditions. The resilient nature of the element allows it to compensate for temperature variations and geometric changes, maintaining appropriate friction resistance throughout the panel's range of motion while adapting to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics of the mechanism are made variable through the use of resilient elements and controlled friction interfaces. The friction coefficient and normal force are adjusted based on the panel position and environmental conditions, enabling the system to adapt to temperature fluctuations and geometric changes while maintaining stable operation.
4Volume of moving object
If friction-based counterbalance mechanism is used, then the system becomes more compact, but friction control must be precisely tailored to panel geometry and position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the friction interface with geometric features that automatically adjust the friction parameters based on panel position. The shaped sleeve and resilient element configuration creates position-dependent friction characteristics, reducing the need for precise manual calibration while maintaining appropriate friction control throughout the panel's range of motion.
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 mechanism effectively reduces operator effort, maintains the third position hold, and adapts to temperature variations by generating variable friction, enhancing the overall operation of closure panels without the need for additional support systems.
Implementation Method 1
relative movement between the shaped sleeve and the resilient friction element as the extension member is displaced generates sliding friction between the resilient friction element and the shaped sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a resilient friction element mounted to the second housing in a fixed location on the axis, the resilient friction element positioned between second housing and the shaped sleeve and biased into contact with the exterior friction surface
Data Source
AI summary
A friction based counterbalance mechanism for coupling with a closure panel of a vehicle to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism including: a first housing having a first pivot connection mount for connecting to one of a body of the vehicle and the closure panel; an extension member coupled to the first housing at one end and being extendable and retractable with respect to a second housing coupled adjacent to the first housing along an axis, the second housing for connecting by a second pivot connection mount to the other of the body and the closure panel; a sliding friction mechanism having: a shaped sleeve mounted on an exterior surface of the extension member, the shaped sleeve providing an exterior friction surface; and a resilient friction element mounted to the second housing in a fixed location on the axis, the resilient friction element positioned between second housing and the shaped sleeve and biased into contact with the exterior friction surface; wherein relative movement between the shaped sleeve and the resilient friction element as the extension member is displaced generates sliding friction between the resilient friction element and the shaped sleeve.