Torque Hinge With Overload Slip for Compact Hatchback Position Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hatchback switching devices for vehicles face challenges in compact design due to the need for electromagnetic clutches and separate overload prevention systems, leading to increased space and cost requirements, and lack of safety features to prevent damage from obstacles.
Innovation Solution
An angular position holding apparatus combining a coil spring-based torque limiter for position holding and a cylindrically-rolled thin-plate elastic piece torque limiter for overload prevention, which applies braking torque to maintain position without input rotation and disconnects under excessive torque to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electromagnetic clutch is used to hold the hatchback position, then the hatchback can be held at the stopping position, but the device size increases and cost increases due to separate electrical wirings and control system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the position holding function and overload prevention function into a single integrated mechanism. The friction plate is pressed against the plate-like gear by a spring to provide braking torque for position holding, while the same friction interface limits torque transmission to prevent overload, eliminating the need for separate electromagnetic clutch and overload prevention system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic clutch (electrical system) with a purely mechanical friction-based braking mechanism. The spring-pressed friction plate provides position holding through friction torque, and the same mechanism inherently limits maximum torque through friction, achieving both functions mechanically without electrical components
2Reliability
If an electromagnetic clutch is used to hold the hatchback position, then the hatchback can be held at the stopping position, but the device complexity increases due to separate electrical wirings and control system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position holding function and overload prevention function into a single integrated mechanism. The friction plate pressed against the plate-like gear by a spring simultaneously provides braking torque for position holding and limits torque transmission for overload prevention, eliminating the need for separate electromagnetic clutch and overload prevention system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic clutch (electrical system) with a purely mechanical friction-based braking mechanism. The spring-pressed friction plate provides position holding through friction torque, and the same mechanism inherently limits maximum torque through friction, achieving both functions mechanically without electrical components
3Volume of moving object
If no overload prevention system is provided, then the device remains compact, but the caught article may be damaged by the drive of the electric motor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the position holding function and overload prevention function into a single integrated mechanism. The friction plate is pressed against the plate-like gear by a spring to provide braking torque for position holding, while the same friction interface limits torque transmission to prevent overload, eliminating the need for separate overload prevention system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic clutch (electrical system) with a purely mechanical friction-based braking mechanism. The spring-pressed friction plate provides position holding through friction torque, and the same mechanism inherently limits maximum torque through friction, achieving both functions mechanically without electrical components
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 apparatus achieves a compact, cost-effective design with integrated overload prevention, ensuring safe operation by holding the hatchback position without external power and preventing damage from obstacles, while allowing manual operation and reducing the risk of motor overload.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring (10) to apply braking torque to the outer race member (4)
Implementation Method 2
a cylindrically-rolled thin-plate elastic piece (8) is installed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer race member (4) and the outer peripheral surface of the inner race member (6)
Implementation Method 3
the thin-plate elastic piece (8) is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface, the outer race member (4) and the inner race member (6) rotate integrally
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A small and compact rotation transmitter is provided by combining a torque limiter as an overload prevention system and an angular position holding apparatus like a torque hinge. An outer race member (4) is installed in a housing (2), and a coil spring (10) is mounted on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Inside the outer race member (4), an internal space (53) having a circular cross section is formed, and an inner race member (6) is installed concentrically with the outer race member (4) . In the annular space between the outer race member (4) and the inner race member (6), a thin-plate elastic piece (8) is inserted to be pressed against the outer race member (4) and the inner race member (6), and either the outer race member (4) or the inner race member (6) is connected to an input-side device while the other is connected to an output-side device. Even when no rotation torque is input from the input-side device, the position of the output-side device is held by a braking torque from the coil spring (10) . When the rotation torque from the input-side device becomes excessive, slippage occurs on the thin-plate elastic piece (8), whereby the outer race member (4) and the inner race member (6) are disconnected.