Vehicle Trunk Hinge Assembly with Torsion Bar and Cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for mounting a trunk lid to a vehicle body using a gas lift are costly and heavy due to the requirement of multiple parts, and they do not provide a smooth operation, which can lead to safety issues and decreased emotional quality.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly utilizing a torsion bar and a cushion assembly with a guide profile and damping spring to assist in the opening and closing of the trunk lid, reducing costs and weight while ensuring a smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gas lift is used to assist the opening and closing of the trunk lid, then the trunk lid can be opened and closed with assistance, but the manufacturing cost increases and the weight increases due to requiring a large number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cushioning function and the opening/closing assistance function into a single integrated hinge assembly structure. The torsion bar is integrated within the hinge assembly, eliminating the need for separate gas lift components while providing both the elastic restoring force and the cushioning effect during trunk lid operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the elastic restoring force to assist opening, absorbs impact during closing through the cushioning mechanism, and controls the motion of the trunk lid. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate gas lift and cushioning components.
2Ease of operation
If a gas lift is used to assist the opening and closing of the trunk lid, then the trunk lid can be opened and closed with assistance, but the weight increases due to requiring a large number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cushioning function and the opening/closing assistance function into a single integrated hinge assembly structure. The torsion bar is integrated within the hinge assembly, eliminating the need for separate gas lift components while providing both the elastic restoring force and the cushioning effect during trunk lid operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the conventional gas lift system, retaining only the essential hinge functionality while integrating the cushioning mechanism directly into the hinge structure, thereby reducing overall weight.
3Device complexity
If a conventional hinge assembly is used without a cushioning mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but the trunk lid may open rapidly causing safety issues and decreased operational quality
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning mechanism is pre-integrated into the hinge assembly structure, positioned to absorb impact and control the motion of the trunk lid before rapid opening can occur. The damping spring and guide groove are arranged to provide cushioning action during the opening and closing operations, preventing harmful rapid movements.
4Device complexity
If a torsion bar is used instead of a gas lift, then the manufacturing cost decreases and weight is reduced, but the operation may not be smooth without additional cushioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cushioning function and the opening/closing assistance function into a single integrated hinge assembly structure. The torsion bar is integrated within the hinge assembly, eliminating the need for separate gas lift components while providing both the elastic restoring force and the cushioning effect during trunk lid operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping spring acts as an intermediary element between the torsion bar and the trunk lid, mediating the force transmission and providing smooth cushioning action. The guide groove serves as an intermediary structure that guides the movement of the pin holder, ensuring smooth and controlled 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
The hinge assembly provides a cost-effective, lightweight solution for opening and closing the trunk lid, enhancing safety and user experience by reducing the risk of rapid opening and improving the operational feel.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion bar configured to be coupled to the hinge arm and to provide an elastic force to the hinge arm in an opening direction
Implementation Method 2
a damping spring configured to elastically support between the pin holder and the spring holder
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a hinge assembly for rotatably mounting a trunk lid to a vehicle body. The hinge assembly for a trunk lid of a vehicle, includes a hinge arm configured to be coupled to the trunk lid, a hinge bracket configured to be coupled to a vehicle body and having a hinge shaft, the hinge arm being rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket, a torsion bar configured to be coupled to the hinge arm and to provide an elastic force to the hinge arm in an opening direction, and a cushion assembly provided at one end of the hinge arm adjacent to the hinge shaft and configured to adjust a rotation speed of the hinge arm in response to the elastic force of the torsion bar.