Multi-axis door hinge for low-riding vehicle curb clearance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Low-riding sport cars are prone to side door damage when opening due to their low profile, leading to expensive repairs from curb contact, as existing solutions do not adequately address the risk of door collision with curbs during opening.
Innovation Solution
A door hinge system with a mechanical linkage comprising a base, coupler, crank, and follower, utilizing revolute joints and a gear mechanism to shift and rotate the side door upward and outward, minimizing the risk of curb contact by maintaining verticality and distributing the load effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the side door is positioned low on the vehicle body to achieve a low profile sport car design, then the vehicle aesthetic and aerodynamic performance are improved, but the risk of door damage from curb contact during opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door hinge system transforms the static door opening motion into a dynamic multi-stage motion. The door initially swings outward on a horizontal axis, then transitions to rotate upward on a vertical axis when approaching the fully open position. This dynamic motion change allows the door to clear curbs during opening while maintaining a low resting position for aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the traditional horizontal door opening motion. By incorporating a vertical rotation axis in addition to the horizontal swing axis, the door movement is extended from a two-dimensional arc to a three-dimensional path that includes upward motion. This dimensional change enables the door to clear ground-level obstacles like curbs while maintaining low vehicle profile.
2Device complexity
If a single door hinge with simple rotational movement is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent door contact with curbs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The door hinge system is segmented into multiple independent components: a first hinge for horizontal swinging motion, a second hinge for vertical rotation motion, and associated linkages. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function in the door opening sequence, enabling complex curved motion while keeping individual components relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic motion control where the door follows a predetermined curved path through coordinated action of multiple hinges. The motion transitions from horizontal swinging to vertical rotation based on the door's position, dynamically adapting the opening trajectory to clear curbs automatically without requiring active control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the door swings out horizontally to open, then the ease of operation is improved, but the lowermost parts of the door may hit curbs
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening operation remains easy for users as it follows natural human pushing motion along a curved path. The system dynamically adjusts the motion trajectory - initially allowing horizontal swinging for ease of operation, then automatically transitioning to upward vertical rotation when the door approaches the fully open position, preventing curb contact without requiring user awareness or additional effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful horizontal swinging motion that could cause curb contact into a beneficial multi-axis motion. The same outward pushing force that initially swings the door horizontally is then used to drive the vertical rotation upward, transforming what would be a damaging motion into a protective clearing action that elevates the door above curbs.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~3d
AI summary
A door hinge (300) is attached by means of a base (304) to a road vehicle. The door hinge (300) carries a side door via a door mount (302) and enables the door, when it is being opened, to be shifted upwards while at the same time shifting in an outward direction and rotating in a plane that is transverse to the outward direction. This decreases the risk of a lowermost parts of the side door hitting, e.g., a roadside curb near which the road vehicle is parked.