Vehicle Opening Panel with Integrated Balancer Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear openings for motor vehicles, particularly those with tailgates, are bulky and unattractive due to the movement of balancers relative to the body, leading to unnecessary space and torque issues, especially with pneumatic balancers being sensitive to temperature and requiring additional user effort to maintain the open position.

Innovation Solution

The support means for the rear opening have a fixed axis relative to the opening, incorporating elastically deformable elements or pneumatic/hydraulic balancers integrated within, which provide a non-constant thrust and allow for compact and aesthetic design, reducing the torque required to open and close the sash by parameterizing the biasing torque based on mechanical characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pneumatic balancers are used to support the sash, then the sash can be held in the open position, but the balancers become bulky and unattractive, especially in the opening position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to hold sash in open positionVSAvoidspace occupied by balancers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the pneumatic balancer components within the opening structure itself. The balancer piston rod and associated mechanisms are nested inside the opening assembly, making them invisible from the exterior and eliminating the bulky appearance while maintaining the support function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the balancer support function with the opening structure. The balancer is integrated into the opening assembly rather than being a separate external component, combining aesthetic appearance with functional support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If pneumatic balancers are used, then the sash can be supported, but the pressure can drop and reduce the torque generated, requiring additional user torque to open the sash

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque generation capabilityVSAvoidpressure drop in pneumatic balancer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a spring mechanism that acts as a mechanical counterweight to compensate for the pneumatic balancer's reduced torque output. The spring provides additional restoring force when pneumatic pressure drops, ensuring the sash can still be supported and operated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to provide compensatory torque in advance of any pneumatic pressure loss. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if the pneumatic balancer loses pressure, the combined spring-pneumatic system maintains sufficient support torque.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Volume of moving object

If the axis of movement is fixed relative to the opening, then the support means become compact and aesthetic, but the member must exert thrust force on the box which requires reaction force from the body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompactness of support meansVSAvoidthrust force and reaction force

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the thrust force application point with the opening structure. The member exerts thrust on the box which is integrated into the opening assembly, and the reaction force is transmitted through the fixed axis to the body, merging multiple force transmission paths into a unified compact structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 results in a compact, aesthetically pleasing rear opening that is easier to handle, with reduced torque requirements for users, minimizing the need for reinforcement in stress zones and maintaining equilibrium between open and closed positions, thus enhancing user accessibility and vehicle aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

the traction means comprise at least one elastically deformable element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

each elastically deformable element comprises at least one spring intended to be compressed or stretched on the axis of movement and fixed to the element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring deformation: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2101021B1Opening panel for vehicle and vehicle comprising such opening panel.

Publication Date: 2014.05.07 COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM SA

Figure 1~4
Figure 5~11
Figure 9~12

AI summary

The panel (12) has supporting units (32) connected to a shell (14) by connecting units (34). The supporting units have a displacement axis fixed with respect to the panel or to the shell. Elements are displaced along the displacement axis, and a traction unit (43) exerts a traction force on each element for displacing along the displacement axis. Fixed units are fixed to the shell or to the panel and to the elements for exerting urging force on the shell or on the panel under the effect of the traction force.