Vehicle Rear Structure Hiding Hinge with Tailgate Lamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear vehicle body structures that cover hinge members to improve appearance increase the number of component parts, hindering cost reduction.

Innovation Solution

A rear vehicle body structure with a lighting member covering the vehicle-body-side hinge section from the outside, eliminating the need for additional cover members and enhancing the appearance by hiding the hinge section, while reducing the number of necessary components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If hinge members are covered with dedicated cover members to improve appearance, then outer appearance is improved, but number of component parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveouter appearanceVSAvoidnumber of component parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lighting member with the cover function by designing the lighting member to simultaneously cover the hinge member and provide illumination. This integration eliminates the need for separate cover members while maintaining the appearance improvement benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a lighting device and a cover for the hinge member. This multi-functionality allows the same component to achieve both aesthetic improvement and cost reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Shape

If hinge members are covered to improve appearance, then outer appearance is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveouter appearanceVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the cover function with the lighting member, the patent eliminates the need for additional cover components, thereby reducing part count and associated manufacturing costs while maintaining aesthetic improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting member performs dual functions as both a cover and a lighting device, eliminating the need for separate cover components and reducing overall production costs while achieving appearance improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8979170B2Vehicle body rear structure

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle body rear structure that is able to rotatably support a tailgate at a left hinge attachment section of a rear outer panel with a left hinge member therebetween. The left hinge member is provided with: a vehicle-body-side hinge section affixed to the left hinge attachment section; and a door-side hinge section connected rotatably to the vehicle-body-side hinge section. A left rear combination lamp is provided to the rear outer panel in a manner so as to cover the vehicle-body-side hinge section from the outside of the vehicle body.