Vehicle Hood Hinge Actuator for Pedestrian Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle hood designs face challenges in deformation during pedestrian collisions due to limited space between the hood and underlying components, leading to increased complexity and cost in design and potential head injury risks.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with an actuator that raises the rear portion of the hood upon imminent impact, using a pyrotechnic actuator to extend a rod and apply force directly to a second bracket, increasing space between the hood and underlying components, thus reducing the likelihood of interference and improving Head Injury Criteria (HIC).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the hood is designed with thin material to allow deformation during impact, then pedestrian safety is improved, but the space between the hood and underlying components is reduced, limiting deformation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is pre-configured with a raised rear portion that proactively increases deformation space before impact occurs. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when pedestrian impact is detected, the hood already has sufficient clearance to deform properly without colliding with underlying components, thereby resolving the contradiction between thin material design and available deformation space.
2Volume of moving object
If a device is incorporated into the body structure to raise the rear portion of the hood, then deformation space is increased, but design complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hood-raising function is merged directly into the hinge mechanism itself rather than being implemented as a separate body structure device. The hinge integrates both the rotational function for hood operation and the raising function for impact protection, eliminating the need for additional complex body structure modifications and reducing overall design complexity while maintaining increased deformation space.
3Volume of moving object
If a device is incorporated into the hinge to raise the rear portion of the hood, then deformation space is increased, but hinge operation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism employs a dynamic raising member that can transition between retracted and extended positions based on operational needs. During normal hood operation, the raising member remains retracted to avoid interference. During imminent impact, the raising member extends to provide the necessary deformation space. This dynamic adaptability allows the hinge to maintain simple operation under normal conditions while providing enhanced protection when needed.
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 solution simplifies the design, reduces complexity, and enhances the hood's ability to deform, thereby improving pedestrian safety by minimizing head injuries and accommodating various vehicle models with minimal design variations, while maintaining ease of use and durability.
Implementation Method 1
using a pyrotechnic actuator to extend a rod and apply force directly to a second bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge for a hood of a vehicle includes a first bracket; a member rotatably coupled to the first bracket, and a second bracket rotatably coupled to the member. An actuator includes a base connected to the member and a rod moveable relative to the base. The rod moves from a retracted position to an extended position in contact with the second bracket for rotating the second bracket relative to the member.