Threaded Automobile Hinge Pivot Without a Bearing Bush
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automobile hinges rely on bearing bushes, which are difficult to recycle and can be environmentally unfriendly, and the riveting process is error-prone and prone to failure under high forces during accidents.
Innovation Solution
The automobile hinge features a direct pivotal connection between the hinge pin and the second hinge half via an internal thread and external thread, eliminating the need for a bearing bush and allowing for easy disassembly and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bearing bush is used to pivotally connect the hinge pin to the hinge half, then the pivotally movable connection is ensured, but the bearing bush is difficult to dispose of and environmentally unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bearing bush from the hinge assembly entirely. Instead of using a separate bearing bush component, the hinge pin itself is directly received in the hinge bore with pivotally movable connection, eliminating the problematic Teflon bearing bush that caused environmental disposal issues while maintaining the necessary pivotal movement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lubricant as an intermediary substance between the hinge pin and hinge bore to enable smooth pivotal movement without requiring a bearing bush. The lubricant reduces friction and wear directly at the contact surfaces, allowing the hinge to achieve reliable pivotal connection without the environmentally harmful Teflon component
2Ease of manufacture
If riveting or screwing is used to attach the hinge pin to the hinge half, then the connection is achieved, but the process is error-prone and the riveting can tear under high forces during accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment function and the pivotal connection function into a single integrated structure. The hinge pin is directly received in the hinge bore with pivotally movable connection, eliminating the need for separate riveting or screwing operations. This integration removes the weak points created by secondary fastening methods while simplifying the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hinge pin into a first pin portion and a second pin portion, where the second pin portion is pivotally received in the hinge bore. This segmentation allows the hinge to achieve both secure attachment and smooth pivotal movement without requiring error-prone riveting or screwing processes, as each portion serves its specific function within the integrated structure
3Strength
If an external thread on the hinge pin and internal thread in the hinge half are configured to provide holding forces, then crash resistance is improved, but a braking torque increases during pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the threaded connection, specifically using a fine thread with a small pitch. This parameter change increases the holding forces under vertical stress (crash resistance) while minimizing the braking torque during pivoting operations, optimizing both strength and smooth operation
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
This design enhances the hinge's durability and crash resistance by increasing holding forces under vertical stress, while also simplifying assembly and repair, and avoiding the environmental issues associated with bearing bushes.
Implementation Method 1
the internal thread and external thread form a direct pivotal connection of the hinge pin and the second hinge half
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile hinge includes a first hinge half attachable to one of a door and a door pillar, with a first hinge bore, a second hinge half attachable to the other of the door and the door pillar, with a second hinge bore, and a hinge pin having an axis of rotation. The hinge pin comprises a first pin portion which can be fixed in a rotationally fixed manner in the first hinge bore of the first hinge half. The hinge pin comprises a second pin portion which is pivotally received in the second hinge bore of the second hinge half. The second pin portion comprises an external thread at least in sections. The second hinge bore of the second hinge half comprises an internal thread at least in sections. The second pin portion can be screwed into the second hinge bore of the second hinge half. An automobile hinge in which the pivotable connection of hinge pin and hinge half is possible without a bearing bush is realized in that the internal thread and the external thread form a direct pivotal connection of the hinge pin and the second hinge half.