Vehicle Hood Hinge Linkage for Stable Lifted Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle hood hinge structure requires the claw portion to enter a hole in the first member, which is inefficient and needs improvement for better hood lifting functionality.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hood hinge with a link mechanism that switches between pivoting and lifting, and a load receiver to support the hood's load, allowing for simple and suitable hood lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the claw portion enters the hole in the first member to hold the hood lifted, then the hood can be kept at a predetermined height, but the structure becomes complex and the operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load receiving function from the complex claw-hole engagement mechanism and implements it through a dedicated load receiver component. The load receiver simply receives the load of the lifted hood on its upper end surface, eliminating the need for the claw portion to enter and engage with a hole in the first member. This extraction of the specific load-bearing function simplifies the overall hinge structure while maintaining reliable hood lifting stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the claw portion enters the hole to restrict pivoting, then the hood can be held stationary, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load receiver is designed to automatically receive the load of the hood when the hood is lifted, and this load reception automatically restricts the hood from lowering. The system serves itself by using the hood's own weight (load) to engage with the load receiver, eliminating the need for complex manual operation to maintain the hood in a lifted position. The hood's load itself becomes the locking mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the link mechanism pivots to cause hood pivoting, then the hood can open normally, but additional lifting mechanism is required for popped up position
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables both the normal pivoting motion for opening the hood and the lifting motion for the popped up position. By making the link mechanism multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for different hood positions. The same link mechanism adapts to provide both conventional opening and the enhanced popped-up functionality through its ability to switch between pivoting and lifting modes.
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 allows for efficient and stable hood lifting, reducing the need for continuous actuator force and minimizing the size of the hinge components.
Implementation Method 1
a load receiver configured to support a load of the hood, wherein the link mechanism is configured to switch between pivoting to cause the hood to be pivoted about an axis through the lower hinge and lifting to lift the hood, and the load receiver is configured to receive, on an upper end surface thereof, the load of the hood lifted through the lifting, to restrict the hood from lowering
Implementation Method 2
a link mechanism linking the lower hinge with the upper hinge; and a load receiver configured to support a load of the hood, wherein the link mechanism is configured to switch between pivoting to cause the hood to be pivoted about an axis through the lower hinge and lifting to lift the hood
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle hood hinge includes: a lower hinge configured to be fixed to a vehicle body; an upper hinge configured to be fixed to, and supported by, a hood so as to be movable relative to the lower hinge, the hood being configured to open or close an opening formed in an upper surface of the vehicle body; a link mechanism linking the lower hinge with the upper hinge; and a load receiving member configured to support a load of the hood, wherein the link mechanism is configured to switch between pivoting to cause the hood to be pivoted about an axis through the lower hinge and lifting to lift the hood, and the load receiving member is configured to receive, on a front-rear side thereof, the load of the hood lifted through the lifting, to restrict the hood from lowering.