Multi-Axis Hinge System for Reducing Seal Popping Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle swing doors experience 'seal popping' noise due to their pivoting movement about a single axis, which is not effectively addressed by existing hinge systems.
Innovation Solution
A hinge system with a closure panel bracket and a mount bracket, where the hinge member is pivotably coupled to both, allowing movement along different paths during primary and secondary stages of opening, utilizing a power actuator and link mechanism to pivot about multiple axes, reducing noise by altering the motion path from primarily linear to circular.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a hinge member is configured to pivot about a single axis throughout the entire movement, then the structure is simple and reliable, but seal popping noise occurs during door opening
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system divides the door opening movement into two distinct stages: a first stage with first direction motion and a second stage with second direction motion. This segmentation allows different motion characteristics to be applied at different phases of door opening, eliminating seal popping noise during the critical initial phase while maintaining structural simplicity overall
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge member transitions from a static single-axis configuration to a dynamic multi-stage configuration. The hinge system adapts its motion characteristics based on the door's position, providing first direction motion during the first stage and second direction motion during the second stage, optimizing performance throughout the movement cycle
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hinge member allows movement in multiple directions through multiple axes, then seal popping noise is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement is segmented into distinct stages with different motion characteristics. The hinge member provides first direction motion during the first stage and second direction motion during the second stage, achieving noise reduction through staged motion rather than continuous complex multi-axis movement
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge member serves multiple functions: it acts as a pivot during the first stage, then transitions to enable second direction motion during the second stage. This multi-functionality allows a relatively simple hinge structure to achieve complex noise reduction objectives through intelligent motion sequencing
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 hinge system effectively reduces 'seal popping' noise by changing the motion path of the closure panel from a linear to a circular path, enhancing the quiet operation of motor vehicle doors.
Implementation Method 1
A hinge member operably coupled to the closure panel bracket for movement about a first axis of rotation and operably coupled to the mount bracket for movement about a second axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge system for moving a closure panel relative to a vehicle body of a motor vehicle between open and closed positions includes a closure panel bracket configured for attachment to the closure panel; a mount bracket configured for attachment to the vehicle body, and a hinge member pivotably coupled to the closure panel bracket about a first axis of rotation and to the mount bracket about a second axis of rotation. The hinge member is configured to pivot about both the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation over a first range of motion between the open and closed position, and is configured to pivot about one of the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation over a second range of motion between the open and closed position.