Friction Counterbalance Mechanism for Closure Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current counterbalance systems for closure panels in vehicles are bulky, require additional support systems, increase manual effort, and rely on battery power, with undesirable force spikes and temperature variations affecting operator effort, and lack efficient customization for different weights and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A friction-based counterbalance mechanism that includes an elongate member with a peripheral surface, a travel member with friction members, and a support member, which generates variable friction forces along a longitudinal axis to assist in opening and closing the closure panel, providing a customizable counterbalance force without the need for additional support systems and battery power.
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 complex and expensive with bulky form factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the counterbalance mechanism and third position hold system into a single integrated friction-based device. The friction member engages with the elongate member to provide both counterbalance force and holding capability at intermediate positions, eliminating the need for separate hold systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-based counterbalance mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides continuous counterbalance force throughout the panel's range of motion, enables third position hold capability, and offers failsafe operation without power. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate systems.
2Force
If traditional counterbalance mechanisms are used, then the closure panel weight is counterbalanced, but additional lift support systems such as gas struts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the counterbalance function and holding function into a single friction-based mechanism, eliminating the need for separate gas struts or other lift support systems. The friction member's engagement with the elongate member provides both the counterbalance force and the structural support traditionally requiring additional components.
3Reliability
If battery-powered hold systems are used, then third position hold is maintained, but the system requires vehicle battery power and has unacceptable impact on manual efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-based counterbalance mechanism is entirely passive and self-service. The friction member automatically engages with the elongate member through mechanical force alone, providing holding capability without requiring any external power source. The system uses the panel's own weight and geometry to generate the necessary friction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces battery-powered electronic hold systems with a purely mechanical friction-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical power while maintaining holding capability through mechanical friction forces generated during normal panel operation.
4Force
If constant friction force is applied throughout the range of motion, then counterbalance is provided, but the manual force/torque curve becomes non-smooth with force spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The friction force in the system is dynamic rather than constant. As the panel moves through its range of motion, the normal force between the friction member and elongate member varies continuously, causing the friction force to automatically adjust. This dynamic friction force profile smooths out the manual force/torque curve by compensating for geometric variations in the mechanism.
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 friction-based counterbalance mechanism reduces manual effort, eliminates undesirable force spikes, and maintains consistent operation across varying temperatures, offering efficient counterbalance customization for different closure panel weights and configurations, ensuring reliable operation without battery power.
Implementation Method 1
a travel member having a body and at least one friction member mounted on the body, the travel member positioned on the longitudinal axis for reciprocation there along and for providing contact between the at least one friction member and the peripheral surface, said contact for generating a friction force
Data Source
AI summary
A friction based counterbalance mechanism for coupling with a closure panel to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel for at least a portion of a path between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism including: an elongate member positioned on a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the counterbalance mechanism, the elongate member having a peripheral surface, the elongate member having a proximal end for coupling to one of the closure panel and a body of a vehicle; a travel member having a body and at least one friction member mounted on the body, the travel member positioned on the longitudinal axis for reciprocation there along and for providing contact between the at least one friction member and the peripheral surface, said contact for generating a friction force in a first region along the longitudinal axis and in a second region along the longitudinal axis; and a support member coupled to the travel element at a proximal end and for coupling at a distal end to the other of the closure panel and a body of a vehicle, the support member for guiding said reciprocation. The friction based counterbalance mechanism can be incorporated as part of a biasing strut such as a spring configured strut.