Tailgate Hinge and Door Check Assembly With Cam Detent Stops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle tailgate assemblies often require multiple components, including elastomeric bumpers, which increase mass, volume, and visibility, compromising aesthetic appeal and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A single assembly that functions as both a hinge and a door check, utilizing a cam and detent arm mechanism with a biasing member, such as a coil spring, to provide intermediate positions and secure the tailgate at various angles without elastomeric bumpers, reducing component count and mass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple components including elastomeric bumpers are used in the tailgate assembly, then the door check function is achieved, but the mass and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor check functionVSAvoidassembly mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hinge and door check functions into a single integrated assembly. The hinge arm incorporates a cam mechanism that interacts with a detent arm, eliminating the need for separate elastomeric bumpers and standalone door check components. This merging reduces the overall number of parts and decreases assembly mass while maintaining both rotational movement and position-holding functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge arm is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the rotational hinge function and simultaneously incorporates a cam mechanism that provides the door check function. The cam profile interacts with the detent arm to provide controlled stopping positions, making the hinge arm a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple components including elastomeric bumpers are used in the tailgate assembly, then the door check function is achieved, but the visibility increases compromising aesthetic appeal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor check functionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the door check mechanism into the hinge arm itself eliminates the need for visible separate components like elastomeric bumpers. The cam and detent arm mechanism is contained within the hinge assembly structure, resulting in a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining the door check function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a cam and detent arm mechanism is used to provide intermediate positions, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintermediate position capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 assembly achieves reduced mass and visibility, enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic appearance while providing efficient and secure operation of the tailgate at multiple positions.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member in contact with the detent arm, wherein the biasing member is configured to urge the detent arm into contact with the cam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the biasing member is a coil spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoil spring:

Implementation Method 3

a cam mounted to the hinge arm and configured to travel along the detent arm with movement of the hinge arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 4

the cam and detent arm are configured to stop and hold the hinge arm in at least one intermediate position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12545334B2Assembly configured to operate as a hinge and door check for motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

An assembly may include a body side bracket configured to be mounted to a body of a motor vehicle. The assembly may include a hinge arm rotatably mounted to the body side bracket, wherein the hinge arm is rotatable between a closed position and a fully open position. The assembly may further include a detent arm rotatably mounted to the body side bracket. Further, the assembly may include a cam mounted to the hinge arm and configured to travel along the detent arm with movement of the hinge arm. The cam and detent arm are configured to stop and hold the hinge arm in at least one intermediate position between the closed position and the fully open position.