Vehicle Hood Prop Member with Multi-Position Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicular hoods are inadequately supported when open, leading to strain on weak support members, which can result in damage or injury due to wind forces, as conventional support systems lack structural integrity and stability, especially in custom or show vehicles displayed with the hood up.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position support apparatus comprising a support rod and a prop rod with a pivoting end, a hood attachment bracket, and a storage connection point, allowing the prop rod to provide additional structural support when the hood is down and maintain the hood in an up position securely, using rod end bearings and detents for robust engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thin, soft metal support member is used to allow movement and play in vehicle body portions, then ease of operation is improved, but strength and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support member incorporates a ball joint mechanism that allows dynamic movement and adjustment between rigid components, enabling the system to transition between fixed and movable states to balance structural strength with operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the support member function with a hood prop function into a single integrated apparatus, where the same structural component provides both support and positioning capabilities, eliminating the need for separate weak support members
2Device complexity
If the hood is supported only by gravity on a standard hood prop, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to wind forces causing hood separation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hood prop mechanism uses a ball joint and detent system that allows the hood to be dynamically positioned at multiple angles (down position, intermediate positions, and fully raised position), providing stable support against wind forces while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism provides pre-positioned stable states that prevent unintended hood movement, cushioning against wind forces before they can cause hood separation or damage
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hood weight is redistributed to body portions that rely on support member strength when the hood is open, then the hood can be supported in the open position, but the support member experiences increased stress and may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint mechanism enables the support apparatus to dynamically adapt its load-bearing configuration, allowing the hood weight to be distributed through multiple structural points (firewall, fender, and support rod) rather than concentrating stress on a single weak support member
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
Enhances vehicular structural integrity by redistributing the hood's weight when closed and securely maintaining the hood in an up position, reducing the risk of damage and injury from wind forces, while allowing for easy engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
the pivoting end of the prop rod is pivotingly attached proximate an end of the support rod
Data Source
AI summary
A hood prop member for a vehicle is provided having a support rod that has a first end configured to attach proximate a firewall of the vehicle, and a second end configured to couple proximate to a body panel of the vehicle. A prop rod having a connection end and a pivoting end is provided. The pivoting end is pivotingly attached proximate an end of the support rod. A hood attachment bracket is configured to attach to a hood of the vehicle. A storage connection point is attached to the support rod proximate an end opposite an end to which the pivoting end of the prop rod is proximately coupled. The connection end is attachable to the storage connection point in a hood-down position. The connection end is also attachable to the hood attachment bracket and configured to maintain the hood of the vehicle in a hood-raised position.