Passive Hood Hinge Buffer Bracket Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive hood hinge systems for vehicles are plagued by unstable lock performance, increased size and weight due to the absence of an impact recognizing component, and functional issues with spring-based energy absorption, which can lead to increased injury values and production complexities.
Innovation Solution
A passive hood hinge system featuring a hinge bracket with a pin regulation aperture, a descending pin, and a buffer bracket that deforms to absorb impact, eliminating the need for bulky components like springs and sensors, and incorporating a double locking mechanism for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a spring-based passive hood hinge system is used to absorb impact energy, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the hood hinge system, extracting the energy absorption function from a separate component and integrating it into the hinge structure itself through the deforming buffer bracket, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining impact energy absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the energy absorption function with the hood hinge structure by integrating the buffer bracket that deforms under impact loads, merging what were previously separate functions (hinge mechanism and energy absorption) into a unified structure
2Loss of energy
If a spring is extended to increase energy absorption amount, then impact absorption capability is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the spring component entirely, removing the weight associated with extended spring structures while maintaining energy absorption through the deforming buffer bracket integrated into the hinge assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to energy absorption from extending a spring (increasing length) to deforming a buffer bracket (utilizing material deformation), thereby achieving energy absorption without increasing the dimensions or weight of the moving components
3Loss of energy
If a spring structure is used for impact absorption, then energy absorption is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to electro-deposition issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component that causes electro-deposition bath stagnation and filtration issues, eliminating the manufacturing complexity associated with spring production and coating while maintaining energy absorption through the buffer bracket
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a buffer bracket designed to deform and potentially replace after impact, using a simpler, more manufacturable structure that avoids the complex electro-deposition requirements of spring components, aligning with mass production needs
4Object-affected harmful factors
If an active hood system with sensors and actuators is used to disengage the hood upon impact, then pedestrian protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a passive system where the hood hinge automatically responds to impact through the deforming buffer bracket without requiring external sensors, controllers, or actuators, allowing the structure to serve its own protection function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes sensors, controllers, and actuators from the hood system, extracting the active control functions and replacing them with a passive mechanical response through the deforming buffer bracket, thereby dramatically simplifying the device while maintaining pedestrian protection
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 system reduces pedestrian injury by effectively absorbing impact through deformation of the buffer bracket, while simplifying the structure and reducing vehicle weight and production costs, thus improving mass production processes.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer bracket (170) disposed at a lower portion of the descending pin (160) and configured to deform by the pressure of the descending pin (160)
Implementation Method 2
the buffer bracket (170) may absorb an impact while deformed by the translation of the descending pin (160)
Data Source
AI summary
A passive hood hinge system for a vehicle is provided. The passive hood hinge system includes a hinge bracket that is coupled to a vehicle body that extends in a vertical orientation and a pin regulation aperture. A hinge arm is coupled with a hood and a descending link has first and second end portions, respectively, rotatably coupled with the hinge arm and the hinge bracket. A support link has first and second end portions respectively, rotatably coupled with the hinge arm and the hinge bracket. A bending lever is disposed at the hinge bracket and has an upper end portion coupled with the descending pin coupled with a pin regulation aperture, and a bent portion that bends when the descending pin at the pin regulation aperture descends. A buffer bracket is disposed at a lower portion of the descending pin and is deformed by pressing the descending pin.