Pin-less Assist Grip Hinge Assembly Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pin-less assist grip handle assemblies face challenges with softer materials bending or deflecting, leading to misalignment and functional inadequacies due to spring forces, and require complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A pin-less hinge assembly with a spring canister and mounting structure that uses protrusions and channels for secure snap-together assembly, providing anti-rotational engagement and stable positioning, even with soft materials, and eliminating the need for special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If softer, more compliant materials are used in the assist grip assembly, then the assembly becomes more compliant and easier to manufacture, but the materials bend or deflect under spring forces causing misalignment and functional inadequacies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mounting structure by introducing rigid protrusions and channels that constrain the spring assembly's position and orientation. This allows the use of softer materials in the assist grip body while maintaining precise alignment through the rigid mounting features, resolving the contradiction between material compliance and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional constraints through protrusions extending in multiple directions (including anti-rotational protrusions) and corresponding channels. This multi-dimensional constraint system prevents deflection and misalignment in all directions, allowing soft materials to be used without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If softer, more compliant materials are used in the assist grip assembly, then the assembly becomes more compliant, but the spring forces cause twisting and deflection rendering the assembly inoperative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rigid mounting features (protrusions and channels) that change the mechanical parameters of the assembly, providing fixed reference points that prevent twisting and deflection. This allows the assist grip body to remain compliant for adaptability while the mounting structure ensures functional reliability under spring forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the assembly into distinct functional components: the compliant assist grip body and the rigid mounting structure with protrusions and channels. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function - the body provides compliance while the mounting features provide stability and reliability.
3Reliability
If a pivot pin is used in the hinge assembly, then the assembly is securely positioned, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pivot pin from the hinge assembly and replaces it with integrated protrusions and channels formed as part of the mounting structure. This elimination of the separate pivot pin component simplifies the assembly process while maintaining positioning accuracy through the engineered fitting of protrusions into channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning and securing functions that were previously performed by a separate pivot pin into the mounting structure itself through integrated protrusions and channels. This consolidation eliminates the need for special assembly tools and reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable positioning.
4Productivity
If the spring assembly is pressed past its intended location during installation, then the assembly appears complete, but the spring is out of proper operating position causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates lead-in surfaces on the protrusions that guide the spring assembly into the correct position during installation. This preliminary guiding action prevents the spring from being pressed past its intended location, ensuring accurate positioning even during rapid assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for precise manual positioning with a mechanical guidance system consisting of lead-in surfaces and fitted protrusions-channels interfaces. This mechanical substitution ensures accurate spring positioning automatically during assembly, maintaining manufacturing precision while allowing for quick installation.
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 solution ensures accurate and secure positioning of the spring assembly under varying forces, facilitating efficient assembly and maintaining performance even with softer materials, reducing misalignment and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the handle can be free swinging from the mounting blocks or can be provided with a spring urging the handle toward a closed, stowed position
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for mounting a spring in a passenger assist handle assembly for a vehicle includes spaced supports and a canister containing a spring connected to the supports on opposite ends of the canister. Protrusions and receiving surfaces are provided on each end of the canister and on the supports for securing a position of the canister relative to the supports and resisting rotational forces exerted against the canister.