Hood Actuation Linkage for Horizontal Start-Stop Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for activating and deactivating automatic start-stop systems in vehicles are limited in design flexibility due to the requirement for a vertically movable bonnet arrangement, restricting the use of standard systems after vehicle modifications.

Innovation Solution

A device with an actuating means connected to a deflection mechanism allows horizontal hood movement, enabling a substantially vertical movement of the actuating means, which can be designed as a mandrel with a spring-loaded rocker and adjustable components, allowing for flexible activation and deactivation of the automatic start-stop system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a vertically movable bonnet arrangement is used to activate/deactivate the automatic start-stop system, then the activation mechanism is simple, but the design freedom of the hood arrangement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation mechanismVSAvoiddesign freedom of hood arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the movement direction from vertical to horizontal by introducing a deflection mechanism. The actuating means moves horizontally instead of vertically, and the deflection mechanism converts this horizontal movement into the required vertical movement for activating the automatic start-stop system. This dimensional change allows the hood to be designed with horizontal movement characteristics while still achieving the necessary activation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the horizontally moving actuating means and the automatic start-stop system. It mediates the movement direction change, allowing the hood arrangement to move horizontally while still effectively activating or deactivating the start-stop system through vertical movement of the actuating means relative to the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the hood is designed to move horizontally towards and away from the automatic start-stop system, then the design freedom of the vehicle is increased, but the actuating mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedom of vehicleVSAvoidactuating mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a deflection mechanism that changes the movement dimension from horizontal (hood movement) to vertical (actuating means movement relative to the automatic start-stop system). This allows the hood to be designed with greater freedom while the actuating mechanism maintains a relatively simple structure through the use of standard deflection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a deflection mechanism is introduced to enable horizontal hood movement, then the flexibility of the device is increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of deviceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection mechanism introduces a dimensional transformation that enables horizontal hood movement while maintaining vertical actuation of the start-stop system. This increases device flexibility without requiring complete redesign of the actuation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The deflection mechanism serves multiple functions: it changes the movement direction, accommodates different hood designs, and maintains compatibility with standard automatic start-stop systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile application possibilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enhances design freedom and flexibility, enabling the continued use of standard automatic start-stop systems in vehicles with complex modifications, particularly in fully integrated motorhomes, without the need for modifying the system's kinematics, thereby ensuring reliable engine start prevention and accident reduction.

Implementation Method 1

the deflection means can be designed as a spring-loaded rocker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the deflection means can be designed as a spring-loaded rocker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRocker mechanism: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3552900B1Device for activating and deactivating an automatic start-stop system of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 HYMER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3552900B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3552900B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (1) for activating and deactivating a vehicle's start-stop system (5) by means of a hood is proposed, wherein the device (1) for activating and deactivating the start-stop system (5) comprises an actuating means (2), the actuating means (2) being operatively connected to at least one deflecting means (3) such that horizontal movement of the hood towards and away from the start-stop system (5) is possible. (Fig. 1)