Vehicle Closure Panel Counterbalance With Fail-Safe Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current counterbalance mechanisms for closure panels in vehicles are complex, expensive, and lack adequate failsafe modes, requiring additional support systems, leading to increased manual effort and safety concerns, noise issues, and water leakage problems.
Innovation Solution
A counterbalance mechanism with a housing containing a spring and a spring retention mechanism to prevent spring extension, coupled with a friction bearing mechanism and a water shield to address these issues, providing customizable counterbalance force and improved safety and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hold systems are added to assist closure panel operation, then operator assistance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalance spring mechanism that provides mechanical assistance to offset the weight of the closure panel. The spring is positioned and tensioned to create a counterbalancing force that reduces the effort required by the operator to open and close the panel, while maintaining a relatively simple single-mechanism design rather than complex multi-component hold systems
2Force
If additional lift support systems are added, then counterbalance capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the counterbalance spring mechanism directly into the existing closure panel assembly, combining the support function with the structural components rather than adding separate lift support systems. The spring is positioned within the assembly to provide counterbalance force while sharing space with other components, eliminating the need for additional gas struts or separate counterbalance mechanisms
3Stability of the object's composition
If friction is increased to provide stop and hold function, then holding capability is improved, but noise and motor size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance spring provides a mechanical counterforce that stabilizes the closure panel at desired positions without relying on high-friction mechanisms. By using the spring's elastic force to balance the panel weight, the system achieves hold position stability without the noise and motor sizing issues associated with high-friction electromagnetic actuators
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 enhances the efficiency and safety of closure panel operation by reducing manual effort, minimizing noise, and preventing water ingress, while offering customizable counterbalance force and improved durability.
Implementation Method 1
the housing containing an extension member and a spring positioned along a longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
a friction bearing mechanism and a water shield to address these issues
Data Source
AI summary
A counterbalance mechanism for coupling with a closure panel to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism including: a housing coupled at one end to one of the closure panel and a body of a vehicle by a first connector and at another end by a second connector to the other of the body and the closure panel, the housing containing an extension member and a spring positioned along a longitudinal axis, the spring positioned adjacent to the first connector; the first connector having a body with a connection portion coupled by a connection to an end of the housing positioned at the one end; and a spring retention mechanism for inhibiting extension of the spring out of the one end of the housing, the spring retention mechanism including: a spring retainer positioned between the spring and the end; and a retainer pin positioned between the spring retainer and the end; wherein upon decoupling of the connection portion with the end, the retainer pin inhibits movement of the spring and the spring retainer towards the one end along the longitudinal axis.