Spring-Driven Hood Mechanism for Controlled Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current closure panel mechanisms in vehicles, such as pop-up hoods and lift gates, suffer from abrupt and noisy operations, especially in larger vehicles, and existing detent systems are inflexible, bulky, and require additional support mechanisms, limiting access and increasing manual effort due to environmental and parking conditions.
Innovation Solution
A spring-driven system with a biased cam mechanism moderates the opening speed of closure panels by coupling a pop-up mechanism with a biased cam mechanism, and a hinge-based detent mechanism with linkages and detent elements to resist motion and stabilize the panel at predefined positions, enhancing flexibility and reducing manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a pop-up mechanism is used to move the closure panel from closed to partially open position, then the closure panel can be quickly opened, but the opening operation becomes abrupt and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing element (spring) is introduced as an intermediary between the plunger and the closure panel. This spring mediates the force transmission, converting the abrupt plunger movement into a controlled, gradual panel opening motion, thereby reducing noise and harshness while maintaining the pop-up effect
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element changes the mechanical parameters of the opening operation by providing a progressive force that modulates the opening speed. The spring's elastic properties transform the instantaneous plunger action into a controlled motion with adjustable speed and force characteristics
2Adaptability or versatility
If detent elements are positioned exterior to the hinge mechanism, then the hinge can provide flexibility in detent angle selection, but the system occupies valuable vehicle cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is merged with the hinge assembly, integrating the detent elements and linkage components within the existing hinge structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate exterior detent components, thereby preserving cargo space while maintaining the flexibility of detent angle selection through the hinge's inherent degrees of freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: providing the mechanical connection between the closure panel and vehicle body, enabling rotational motion, and incorporating the detent functionality within its structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system volume while maintaining adaptability
3Reliability
If current detent systems are used to lock the closure panel in selected positions, then the panel can be held against windy and steep parking conditions, but additional support systems like gas struts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is integrated with the hinge assembly, combining the positioning and support functions into a single unified system. This eliminates the need for separate gas struts and counterbalance mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to hold the panel against external forces through the spring-biased detent design
4Reliability
If rod-cylinder arrangements are used to selectively cause friction on the rod to block hinge operation, then the closure panel can be held in position, but the system becomes bulky and requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-based holding mechanism is merged into the hinge structure itself, using the hinge's existing components to provide the blocking and holding functions. This integration eliminates the need for separate rod-cylinder arrangements, significantly reducing the volume of the stationary detent system while maintaining reliable hinge operation control
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 provides a controlled and quiet operation of closure panels, improves flexibility in detent angle selection, reduces manual effort, and optimizes space usage by minimizing the need for additional support systems, making the closure panels more resistant to windy and steep parking conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the biased cam mechanism having a biasing element for moderating a deployment rate of the plunger
Data Source
AI summary
A spring driven system for moderating an opening speed of a closure panel of a vehicle, the system comprising: a pop up mechanism mounted adjacent to the closure panel for moving the closure panel from a fully closed position to a partially open position, the pop up mechanism having a plunger; and a biased cam mechanism coupled to the pop up mechanism by a coupling, the biased cam mechanism having a biasing element for moderating a deployment rate of the plunger.