Dual-Axis Swing Door Hinge for Wheelchair Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger vehicles have rear doors with limited swing angles that obstruct the door opening, making it impossible to accommodate standard-width ramps and wheelchairs without complex and costly modifications.
Innovation Solution
Modify the vehicle door assembly by introducing a second hinge axis that allows the door to pivot between a modified closed and fully open position, increasing the usable width of the door opening, and optionally incorporate a powered door opening assembly using a fourbar slider-crank mechanism for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door swing angle is increased to accommodate ramps and wheelchairs, then the usable width of the door opening increases, but the door obstructs more of the door opening when open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second hinge axis that is offset from the first hinge axis, creating a multi-dimensional hinge system. This allows the door to pivot in a different plane and achieve a greater swing angle (approximately 100 degrees) compared to conventional single-axis hinges, thereby increasing the usable width of the door opening without excessive obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic hinge system that allows the door to move through a larger arc. The combination of two hinge axes enables the door to adapt its position more flexibly, achieving optimal clearance for wheelchair and ramp access while minimizing obstruction to the door opening when open.
2Ease of operation
If complex link mechanisms are used to increase usable width, then the door clear obstruction is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hinge function into two separate hinge axes rather than using a complex link mechanism. By segmenting the pivoting action into two sequential rotations (first about the first hinge axis, then about the second hinge axis), the system achieves the desired door movement with simpler, more reliable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of increasing door swing angle from complex link mechanisms and implements it through a dual hinge axis system. This removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining the core functionality of providing adequate usable width for wheelchair access.
3Ease of operation
If portions of B-pillar and C-pillar are removed to widen door opening, then the available door opening width increases, but the structural integrity and manufacturing complexity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The dual hinge axis system serves multiple functions: it increases the swing angle, provides adequate usable width for wheelchair access, and maintains the structural integrity of the vehicle body pillars. This eliminates the need to remove portions of the B-pillar or C-pillar, preserving both manufacturing simplicity and structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
To permit wheelchair access, a door assembly of an OEM vehicle may be modified with a replacement door hinge that increases the door swing angle while maintaining clearances between door and a front door assembly, the vehicle body, and a wheelchair ramp installed in the door opening. To preserve the door's OEM closed position, the replacement door hinge (when in the closed position) may match the geometry between the OEM hinge's door and vehicle connection points. Additionally or alternatively, the door assembly may be modified to include a powered door opening assembly comprising a slider block configured with a motor to reciprocate along a width of the door and a connecting rod pivotally coupled between the vehicle and the slider block.