Integrated Inertial Lock Friction Hinge for Compact Compartment Closures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing friction hinges and inertial locks in automotive compartment closures require separate mechanisms, leading to increased complexity, size, and assembly time, while failing to meet safety standards and aesthetic expectations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated inertial lock friction hinge system that combines a shaft assembly and friction assembly with a restraining component, allowing for both frictional torque and inertial locking functions, transitioning between unlocked and locked conditions based on gravitational and impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate friction hinges and inertial locks are used, then safety standards are met and frictional torque is provided, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the friction hinge and inertial lock into a single integrated assembly where the friction elements and restraining component share common mounting structures and pivot points. This merging eliminates the need for separate latch mechanisms while maintaining both frictional torque and inertial locking functions, directly reducing device complexity and assembly time while preserving safety compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the friction elements provide frictional torque to hold the lid open, while the restraining component provides inertial locking to prevent opening under impact loads. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity while meeting safety standards
2Reliability
If separate friction hinges and inertial locks are used, then both frictional torque and inertial locking functions are provided, but package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the restraining component within the friction assembly structure, where the restraining component's pivot point and mounting features are integrated within the same housing and mounting structure as the friction elements. This nesting arrangement allows both components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the overall package size compared to side-by-side separate installations
3Reliability
If separate latches are used, then compartment lids remain closed under impact, but cosmetic appearance and cost are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the inertial lock function into the friction hinge assembly, the patent eliminates visible separate latch mechanisms that would compromise cosmetic appearance. The integrated design allows the entire assembly to be concealed within the hinge structure, providing impact resistance while maintaining clean aesthetic lines suitable for visible automotive interior applications
4Reliability
If separate friction hinges and inertial locks are used, then both functions are provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the friction hinge and inertial lock into a single manufactured assembly that can be produced as one integrated unit or pre-assembled module. This eliminates the need to manufacture, inventory, and assemble separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity and overall cost while maintaining both frictional torque and inertial locking functions for safety compliance
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
Provides a compact, efficient, and cost-effective solution that meets safety standards by ensuring compartment lids remain closed under impact, eliminating the need for separate latches and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the shaft assembly and the friction assembly are rotatably coupled for relative frictional rotation
Implementation Method 2
These inertial locks are used in situations where there is a desire to not have the user operate a latch each time the compartment is opened. In latch-less compartment designs, an inertial lock is typically used in place of the latch to meet safety standards. These function to prevent the movement of a compartment lid only when exposed to certain impact loads.
Implementation Method 3
the inertial lock friction hinge system is configured to be in the unlocked condition when gravitational force acts upon the inertial lock friction hinge
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect is an inertial lock friction hinge, including a shaft assembly having a shaft assembly recess and a friction assembly having a friction assembly recess. The shaft assembly and the friction assembly are rotatably coupled for relative frictional rotation. The hinge includes a restraining component positioned within the hinge such that when the hinge is in an unlocked condition the restraining component is not engaged with both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess so that the shaft assembly and the friction assembly are allowed to rotate relative to each. The restraining component is positioned such that when the inertial lock friction hinge is in a locked condition the restraining component is at least partially engaged with both the friction assembly recess and the shaft assembly recess so that the shaft assembly and the friction assembly are locked and prevented from relative rotation by the restraining component.