Vehicle Flap Hinge Frictional Stop Prevents Springback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for vehicle flaps, covers, and doors often experience springback after reaching the end position due to flexible stop elements, which can be surprising and insecure for operators.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring stop elements with braking surfaces that engage in a self-locking frictional connection, utilizing a torsion spring drive and inclined braking surfaces to ensure the hinge parts remain fixed in the end position, preventing springback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible stop elements are used to dampen the stop, then the stopping comfort is improved, but the flap springs back after reaching the end position
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is divided into two functional parts: a resilient portion for dampening the stop and a non-resilient portion for providing frictional fixation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between comfort and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the stop element have different mechanical properties - the first portion is resilient while the second portion is non-resilient. This local differentiation of properties allows the stop element to simultaneously provide damping and positional stability.
2Strength
If resilient stop elements are used to limit opening movement, then the damping effect is improved, but the operator is surprised by the springback
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is segmented into resilient and non-resilient portions, where the non-resilient portion with braking surfaces provides frictional locking to prevent springback, making the final position predictable for the operator while maintaining the damping benefit.
3Reliability
If frictional fixation is added to prevent springback, then the position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function and frictional fixation function are merged into a single stop element rather than using separate components. The stop element integrates both the resilient portion for damping and the non-resilient portion with braking surfaces for fixation, simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it limits the opening movement, dampens the stopping impact, and provides frictional fixation to prevent springback. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
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 design provides a secure and reliable opening mechanism where the flap, door, or wing remains firmly in place without springing back, enhancing operator confidence and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the two stop elements of the stop device each have at least one braking surface, by means of which the movable stop element can be frictionally fixed in the end position of the hinge by the fixed stop element
Implementation Method 2
The hinge according to the invention comprises a torsion spring drive with at least one torsion spring, by means of which the flap-side hinge part can be pivoted relative to the body-side hinge part
Implementation Method 3
The respective braking surfaces of the two stop elements, which correspond to one another, are inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the movable stop element. This has the advantage that influences due to production-related tolerances or due to thermal expansion can be compensated for in a particularly favorable manner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge for a flap, a cover, a door, a leaf or the like of a car body, having a flap-side hinge part (10) and having a body-side hinge part (12) which are connected to one another in an articulated manner, and having a stop device (50) with interacting stop elements (52, 56) which come into operative contact with one another in an end position of the hinge in order to limit a mutual displacement of the hinge parts (10, 12), wherein the two stop elements (52, 56) of the stop device (50) each have at least one braking surface (62-68), with the result that the movable stop element (52) can be frictionally fastened by means of the fixed stop element (56) in the end position of the hinge.