Integrated Vehicle Hood Hinge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support rods for vehicle hoods are impractical and unsafe, as they can hinder maintenance and loading operations and are easily disengaged by wind, leading to dangerous situations, while alternative solutions like pneumatic shock absorbers are costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A support hinge with an integrated hood locking device that eliminates the need for support rods, using a locking plate with a sliding groove and guide pin to automatically lock the hood in an open position, and a spring to ensure stability against wind-induced movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a support rod is used to maintain the hood in raised position, then the hood can be supported without additional devices, but the support rod hampers maintenance operations and loading of the compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hood support function and hood locking function into a single integrated hinge mechanism. The locking plate is hinged to the body and works together with the guide pin on the hood to provide both support and locking, eliminating the need for separate support rods and improving access to the compartment.
2Reliability
If a support rod is used to hold the hood open, then the hood remains supported, but the engagement can be disengaged by wind or operator movement causing dangerous closing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate automatically engages with the guide pin at a predetermined position when the hood is raised, before any potential disengagement can occur. This preliminary locking action prevents wind or operator movement from causing unwanted closing, as the locking mechanism is already in place securing the hood in the open position.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism automatically locks the hood in the open position through the interaction between the locking plate and guide pin without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain the hood in the desired position, providing reliable support that cannot be easily disengaged by external forces like wind.
3Reliability
If pneumatic shock absorbers are used to support the hood, then the hood can be supported reliably, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive pneumatic shock absorbers with a simple mechanical hinge mechanism consisting of a locking plate, guide pin, and spring. These components are much cheaper to manufacture while providing reliable hood support and locking functionality, significantly reducing the overall cost of the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes pneumatic/motorized shock absorber systems with a purely mechanical hinge mechanism. The locking plate, guide pin, and spring create a reliable mechanical system that provides both support and locking functions without requiring expensive pneumatic components or complex control systems.
4Ease of operation
If pneumatic shock absorbers are used to support the hood, then the hood support function is achieved, but access to the hood is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support and locking functions into the hinge mechanism itself, eliminating the need for separate shock absorbers that would obstruct access. The locking plate and guide pin work together within the hinge assembly to provide support without hampering operator access to the hood or compartment.
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
Enables safe and easy access to vehicle compartments by maintaining the hood in a raised position with a limited number of components, reducing operational hazards and costs, and maintaining stability even with pneumatic shock absorbers.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to ensure stability against wind-induced movements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support hinge of a vehicle hood, in particular for accessing to an engine compartment of an industrial or commercial vehicle. The hinge according to the invention defines a plane of rotation (P) and an open position and a closed position of said hood. Said hinge comprises a first flange and a second flange respectively connected to the body (20) and to the hood of the vehicle. The hinge (1) comprises also a locking plate (2) hinged to the first flange (11) and comprising a sliding guide (22) for a guide pin (31b) connected to the second flange (12). Such sliding guide (22) comprises at least an engagement portion (24b), suitable to engage said guide pin (31b) when said second flange (12) reaches a predetermined position with respect to said first flange, in order to block said hood (10) in open position.