Vehicle Hinge Device with Dynamic Axis for Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices for vehicle tailgates do not effectively manage complex geometry setups, leading to gaps that increase air resistance and reduce fuel economy, while also lacking an aesthetically appealing design.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device comprising spaced brackets, a hinge arrangement, and a guide structure that allows continuous movement along a straight line and arcuate path, minimizing gaps and ensuring robust, cost-effective operation by using elongated guide slots and tensioners to maintain consistent friction and guide the members' interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hinge construction with pins in sleeves is used, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but the gap between the swingable panel and vehicle body increases leading to higher air resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge arrangement allows dynamic movement of the hinge axis between a first position (when the swingable panel is closed) and a second position (when the swingable panel is open). This dynamic adjustment enables the hinge axis to move in a direction along a straight line perpendicular to the hinge axis direction, optimizing the gap between the panel and vehicle body during different operational states, thereby reducing air resistance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Device complexity
If the hinge axis is fixed, then the hinge device structure is simpler, but the gap between the swingable panel and adjacent vehicle body cannot be optimized leading to increased air resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge arrangement enables the hinge axis to move dynamically between different positions. When the swingable panel is in the closed state, the hinge axis is positioned to minimize the gap with the adjacent vehicle body, reducing air resistance and improving fuel economy. The elongated guide slot facilitates this movement while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge axis movement is constrained to move along a straight line perpendicular to the hinge axis direction, adding a translational degree of freedom in a specific dimension. This controlled movement in another dimension allows optimization of the gap without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms, balancing structural simplicity with aerodynamic performance.
3Shape
If the hinge arrangement is designed to allow continuous movement of the hinge axis, then the gap optimization and aesthetic design are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is segmented into distinct functional components: the first member with elongated guide slot, the second member with opening, and the hinge arrangement. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard machining processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the sophisticated continuous movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated guide slot acts as an intermediary element that enables continuous movement of the hinge axis while maintaining simple manufacturing. The guide slot's geometry is designed to guide the hinge arrangement smoothly between positions, achieving aesthetic joint geometry without requiring complex mechanisms or expensive manufacturing processes.
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 reduces air resistance, improves fuel economy, and provides an aesthetically attractive joint between the vehicle body and tailgate, while ensuring robust and cost-effective construction through controlled movement and tensioning mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
Contact surfaces of the hinge arrangement and at least one of the brackets are adapted for allowing movement of the hinge arrangement in a way that the hinge arrangement is in a fixed position in relation to a turning direction around the hinge axis during the movement of the hinge arrangement
Implementation Method 2
using elongated guide slots and tensioners to maintain consistent friction and guide the members' interaction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge device (2) for a vehicle, wherein the hinge device comprises a first member (8), which comprises two spaced brackets (10,12), a second member (14), which is arranged between the brackets. The hinge device (2) further comprises a hinge arrangement (16) defining a hinge axis (18) and adapted to connect the second member (14) to the brackets (10,12) so that the members may turn in relation to each other about the hinge axis. The hinge device (2) is adapted for allowing movement of the hinge axis (18) via movement of the hinge arrangement (16).