Powered Hinge Assembly with Coaxial Drive Shaft for Vehicle Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door systems lack efficient automated power assist mechanisms for controlled opening and closing, particularly in ensuring smooth operation and preventing door slamming.
Innovation Solution
An automated door system with a power assist device coupled to a hinge assembly, featuring a motor-driven drive shaft that rotates about a coaxial axis, enabling both opening and closing movements, and incorporating a soft close feature to manage door velocity and maintain detent positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven power assist device is integrated into the hinge assembly, then automated door opening and closing control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor (30) is integrated directly into the hinge assembly, merging the power assist function with the existing hinge structure. This consolidation reduces the need for separate mounting brackets and connection mechanisms, thereby automating door operation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: providing the structural pivot connection for door rotation and simultaneously housing the motor (30) that drives the drive shaft (26) for powered opening and closing. This multi-functionality allows automated control to be achieved without adding separate dedicated mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a drive shaft rotating about a coaxial axis is used, then door movement smoothness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft (26) is configured to rotate about an axis that is coaxial with the hinge axis, creating a balanced rotational path. This coaxial alignment ensures that the door moves smoothly through its opening and closing arc without lateral deviations or binding, maintaining stable and predictable door movement throughout the operation range.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If soft close functionality is implemented to prevent slamming, then door operation safety is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors the door's velocity during closing operation and provides feedback to the motor (30) to adjust the drive shaft (26) rotation speed. When the door approaches the closed position or exceeds a predetermined velocity threshold, the system automatically reduces motor power output, creating a soft close effect that prevents slamming while maintaining simple control logic.
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 system provides controlled and efficient door operation, including soft close functionality to prevent slamming, ensuring smooth door movement between closed and open positions, enhancing user experience and vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is disposed within a power assist device and configured to drive the drive shaft for providing at least one of opening and closing movement of the door
Implementation Method 2
The movable hinge portion includes vertically spaced-apart upper and lower mounting portions extending from the base. The upper mounting portion is rotatably connected to the fixed hinge portion for rotation about a hinge axis of the hinge assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An automated door system includes a hinge assembly having a movable hinge portion coupled to a door and a fixed hinge portion coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge pillar. The movable hinge portion includes first and second mounting portions. The first mounting portion is rotatably connected to the fixed hinge portion for rotation about a hinge axis of the hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the fixed hinge portion and further coupled to the second mounting portion of the movable hinge portion by a drive shaft. The power assist device includes a motor that is configured to drive the drive shaft for providing at least one of an opening and a closing movement of the door about the hinge axis of the hinge assembly.