Dual Pivot Hinge Assemblies for Vehicle Closures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies for vehicle closures, such as pickup truck rear access panels, face challenges in achieving a greater than 90-degree opening angle while maintaining a compact and feasible installation, as large holes or complex structures are often required to accommodate the necessary translation and rotation of the closure.
Innovation Solution
A dual pivot hinge assembly with a link arm, first and second pivots, and a gear set that includes a first gear, a sector gear, and an idler gear, allowing the door to translate outwards during opening by rotating the link arm about the second pivot, which engages the first and second gears at a plane perpendicular to the first pivot, enabling the door to open beyond 90 degrees without requiring large or complex installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge assembly is used to allow the closure to open greater than 90 degrees, then the closure can clear the adjacent bodyside for opening at greater angles, but the hinge assembly becomes large in volume or complicated in structure
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into two separate pivots (first pivot and second pivot) positioned at different locations on the closure. This segmentation allows each pivot to contribute differently to the opening motion, enabling greater than 90-degree opening while keeping individual pivot structures simple and compact
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly incorporates translation motion in addition to rotation. The closure translates outward along the direction of the pivots during opening, adding a dimensional element to the motion path. This combination of translation and rotation enables greater opening angles without requiring complex hinge mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge assembly is used to allow the closure to open greater than 90 degrees, then the closure can clear the adjacent bodyside for opening at greater angles, but the hinge assembly becomes large in volume
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the hinge function into two separate pivots positioned at different locations, each pivot can be smaller and simpler in structure. The distributed configuration reduces the volume required for each individual component while achieving the combined effect of greater opening capability
Solution Approach 2:
The inclusion of translation motion along the pivot direction utilizes space more efficiently. Instead of requiring a large rotational arc from a single pivot, the translation component allows the closure to clear the bodyside with a more compact hinge assembly configuration
3Ease of manufacture
If large holes or grooves are added in the bodyside to aid in fitment of the hinge, then the hinge can be installed, but the installation becomes difficult and infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The two pivots are positioned and configured to perform multiple functions: they provide the rotational axis for opening motion, guide the translation motion of the closure, and serve as mounting points that require minimal modification to the bodyside. This multi-functionality reduces the need for complex installation features like large holes or grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly comprises a link arm; a first pivot connected to a door leaf and the link arm; a second pivot parallel, distant to the first pivot, and connected to a body leaf and the link arm; a first gear attached to the first pivot; a second gear attached to the second pivot; and an idler gear engaging the first and second gears at a plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot.