Modular Decklid Hinge with Coil Spring Tension Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decklid hinge systems for vehicles are labor-intensive to install and require substantial modifications for different vehicle models, with limited standardization across various designs, leading to increased costs and complexity in production and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular decklid hinge mechanism utilizing a helically coiled spring with an interacting bracket and adjustable pivot pin, allowing for standardization of components across multiple vehicle models by adjusting spring tension, which simplifies installation and reduces the need for prewinding torsion springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional torsion spring hinge systems are used, then decklid opening force is provided, but installation is labor-intensive and requires prewinding springs by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is pre-assembled and pre-tensioned within the hinge housing during manufacturing, eliminating the need for hand-winding during installation. The spring is positioned and tensioned before final assembly, so installers only need to mount the complete hinge unit to the decklid and body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle-specific hinge designs are used, then decklid performance is optimized for each model, but component standardization across vehicle models is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly uses standardized components including the coil spring, housing, pivot pin, and bracket that can be universally applied across multiple vehicle models. The spring tension is adjusted via a cam mechanism to accommodate different decklid weights and performance requirements, allowing one hinge design to serve multiple vehicle applications without model-specific tooling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable spring tension mechanisms are added, then adaptability to different vehicle models is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates a cam-based tension adjustment mechanism that allows dynamic modification of spring force without changing the fundamental hinge structure. The cam can be rotated to different positions during assembly or maintenance to adjust the effective lever arm and spring tension, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical design.
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 enables cost-effective and efficient installation of decklid hinges across various vehicle models, reducing design and assembly complexities while maintaining performance, with improved adaptability and reduced component variations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing force in the form of a helically coiled spring applied to the pivot lever
Implementation Method 2
The cam is mounted for rotation on the strap and has a cam surface that abuts the spring end so as to adjust an effective lever arm length
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body decklid hinge includes at least one hinge set carried by a bracket that retains a pivot pin and a retainer bar in a cantilevered manner. The pivot pin supports a lever, such as a gooseneck strap, that will be coupled to the hood, while the bracket includes a mount that will be carried by peripheral body structure around the decklid opening. The retainer bar carries a helically wound spring that secures one end of the spring for resistance to rotation about the axis of the bar. The other end of the spring engages an adjuster that variably urges the lever to pivot toward the open position. The method and apparatus reduce specificity of components and improve adaptably to various models and styles by reducing adjustments to tension variability in adjusting the biasing force applied to the decklid strap.