Multi-link Automotive Door Hinge for 90-Degree Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive door hinges limit the design of vehicle doors due to rearward and inward pivoting motion, causing interference with the vehicle body and restrict access to the passenger compartment, especially for physically impaired passengers or oversized cargo.
Innovation Solution
A hinge system with multiple pivotable links and a spring-loaded cam mechanism that allows the door to pivot and translate, enabling a 90-degree opening angle without interference, accommodating doors with double ninety-degree hem flanges and providing greater access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge with a fixed hinge member and one pivotable hinge member is used, then the door can be pivoted between closed and open positions, but the door moves in a rearward and inward motion causing interference with the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple independent links (first link, second link, third link) that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the door to follow a complex motion path that avoids interference with the vehicle body while maintaining pivoting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism transitions from simple planar rotation to three-dimensional motion by adding multiple pivot points and links. The door bracket moves through a combination of rotation and translation in multiple dimensions, enabling the door to clear the vehicle body during opening.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge is used, then the door can be opened, but the opening angle is limited to about sixty degrees restricting access to the passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs multiple pivotable links that dynamically adjust the door's motion path and opening angle. The system transitions from a fixed 60-degree limitation to a variable range exceeding 90 degrees, adapting to different access requirements for passengers and cargo.
3Strength
If a door with a double ninety-degree hem flange is used, then the door design is more robust, but conventional hinges cannot accommodate it due to interference with the side of the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-link hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the door bracket and frame bracket, mediating the motion to accommodate the double ninety-degree hem flange design. The intermediate links provide the necessary clearance and motion control to prevent interference with the vehicle body.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge movably attaches a door to a frame member of a motor vehicle. The hinge includes a frame bracket configured for attachment to the frame member and including opposed sidewalls connected by a base, and a door bracket configured for attachment to the door and including opposed arms connected together by a bridge. A plurality of links pivotably and translatably connects the door bracket to the frame bracket. The links include a first link including second opposed arms pivotably connected to the frame bracket and to the door bracket and connected together by a second bridge, and a second link including third opposed arms pivotably connected to the frame bracket and to the door bracket and connected together by a third bridge.