Motor Vehicle Inlet Flap Damping for Bounce-Free Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle flaps tend to bounce multiple times upon reaching the opening position due to the stiffness of the spring and hardness of the limit stop element, which is undesirable in terms of user experience and cost efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flap design incorporating a high-friction material cover and a thermoplastic surface interaction to slow down the shutter movement, combined with an elastomer limit stop, ensuring a controlled and bounce-free opening without increasing user effort or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stiff spring and hard limit stop element are used to ensure reliable flap operation, then the flap can be reliably held in the opening position and return to closing position, but the flap bounces multiple times upon reaching the opening position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a damping element that makes contact with the limit stop element before the flap reaches its full opening position. This damping element, integrated into the hinge mechanism, absorbs the impact energy progressively, preventing the rebound effect while maintaining reliable operation. The cushioning action occurs in advance of the hard stop, eliminating bounces without compromising the reliability of holding the flap open.
2Reliability
If the spring stiffness is increased to prevent the flap from accidentally closing, then the flap remains securely open, but the user must exert more force to close the flap manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping element as an intermediary component between the spring force and the flap movement. This damping element, made of viscoelastic material, acts as a mediator that allows the stiff spring to maintain secure opening position while simultaneously providing controlled resistance during closing. The intermediary absorbs and dissipates energy, enabling the system to have both high spring stiffness for security and manageable closing force for user convenience.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a soft limit stop element is used to reduce bouncing, then the flap opens smoothly without multiple bounces, but the flap may not be reliably held in the opening position against external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining a stiff spring for reliable holding with a viscoelastic damping element for bounce reduction. The damping element integrates properties of both elasticity and viscosity, creating a composite functional behavior. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve smooth opening without bounces and reliable holding capability, as the viscoelastic material provides both cushioning and sustained holding force.
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 design achieves a smooth, controlled opening and closing motion of the flap, eliminating bounces and maintaining user convenience without additional effort or increased costs.
Implementation Method 1
a limit stop element made of an elastomer material and designed to stop the flap in the opening position
Implementation Method 2
A flap design incorporating a high-friction material cover and a thermoplastic surface interaction to slow down the shutter movement
Data Source
AI summary
A flap for a motor vehicle includes a first element that can be fixed to a body and a second element hinged to the first element around a first axis; a shutter carried by the second element and movable relative to the first element between a first closing position and a first complete opening position; and elastic means interposed between the first element and the second element and configured to load the shutter towards the first complete opening position; and slowing means configured to slow down the shutter upon reaching of the first complete opening position; the slowing means comprise a cover and a surface; one of said cover and surface being made of a damping material; the cover and the surface interact with one another at least in the complete 10 opening position so as to slow down the shutter upon reaching of the first complete opening position.