Vehicle Hood Hinge Double Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine hood hinge apparatuses require a separate hood stay rod, which occupies space, increases production costs, and hinders repair work due to additional components and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A hinge apparatus with a double link structure comprising a hinge bracket, hinge arm, support link unit, and return link unit, where an elastic member supports the hood panel in an open state, eliminating the need for a separate hood stay rod by using a rail slot and elastic spring to control the opening and closing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate hood stay rod is used to support the engine hood, then the hood can be maintained in the open state, but the hood stay rod occupies space, increases production costs, and hinders repair work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hood support function into the hinge apparatus itself by integrating a support link and return link mechanism directly into the hinge structure. This eliminates the need for a separate hood stay rod, reducing component count while maintaining the ability to support the hood in the open state. The support link connects between the hinge bracket and hinge arm, working together with the return link to provide structural support without requiring additional space-occupying components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the primary hinging function to allow hood rotation, and simultaneously incorporates a support function through the integrated support link mechanism. The support link, when engaged, can maintain the hood in the open state, thereby eliminating the need for a separate hood stay rod and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a hood stay rod is installed to support the engine hood, then the hood can be held open, but additional space for installation and actuation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged into the hinge apparatus by integrating the support link between the hinge bracket and hinge arm. This eliminates the need for a separate hood stay rod that would require additional installation space. The support mechanism is contained within the existing hinge structure, thereby reducing the area required for installation while maintaining hood support capability.
3Reliability
If additional components such as hood stay rod, fastening clip, and holder are used, then the hood can be supported, but work effort and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support function into the hinge apparatus itself using a support link and return link mechanism that are integrated into the existing hinge structure. This eliminates the need for separate hood stay rods, fastening clips, and holders, thereby reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. The integrated design reduces production cost and assembly effort while maintaining the hood support function.
4Reliability
If a conventional hinge apparatus with separate hood stay rod is used, then the hood can be supported, but the hood stay rod acts as a factor impeding repair work
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is integrated into the hinge apparatus itself through the support link and return link mechanism. This eliminates the separate hood stay rod that would obstruct access to the engine compartment during repair work. The integrated design removes physical barriers while maintaining the ability to support the hood 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
Simplifies the operation of opening and closing the engine hood, reduces production costs, and enhances repair efficiency by minimizing the number of components and space requirements, allowing for easier maintenance and operation with reduced effort.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member provided in the hinge bracket to elastically support one end of the support link unit such that the hood panel maintains an open state by locking the support link unit
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge apparatus of an engine hood for a vehicle which is provided between a hood panel and a vehicle body panel to ensure rotation of the hood panel. The hinge apparatus includes a hinge bracket mounted to a vehicle body panel, a hinge arm mounted to the hood panel and hinged to the hinge bracket by a hinge shaft and including a rail slot formed at one end thereof, a support link unit pivotally linking the hinge bracket to the hinge arm, and a return link unit pivotally linking the support link unit and the rail slot of the hinge arm so that the support link unit is selectively locked by the return link unit.