Description:A FOUR-AXIS HINGE FOR CONTROLLED OPENING AND CLOSING OF A VEHICLE PANEL
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This invention generally relates to a field of mechanical hinges for vehicle body panels, and in particular, to a four-axis hinge for controller opening and closing of a vehicle panel.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0003] Automotive applications generally employ single-axis or dual-axis hinges for openable panels that provide access to storage compartments, service hatches, or other enclosed spaces within vehicles. Single-axis hinges are most commonly used due to their simplicity and low cost. However, they offer a limited range of motion, restricting the ease of access and serviceability. Dual-axis hinges, while offering a wider range of motion, are typically heavier and more expensive, thereby increasing the overall weight and manufacturing cost of the vehicle. In the case of side or rear openable panels, both single and dual-axis hinges may result in excessive panel gaps between the openable panel and adjacent body components. These gaps negatively affect the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle and necessitate additional components or design adjustments to maintain visual alignment, further increasing system complexity, weight, and cost.
[0004] In addition to the above drawbacks, conventional hinges frequently contribute to sealing inefficiencies, leading to potential water and dust ingress through hinge mounting areas. This issue compromises the durability and performance of the vehicle’s storage compartments. Attempts to mitigate these issues, such as employing removable panels, have proven inadequate due to their tendency to develop rattling noises and reduced stability during vehicle operation. Accordingly, there exists a need for a hinge mechanism that provides a complex and controlled range of motion to ensure proper sealing and flushness, reduces part weight and cost, and enhances the overall aesthetics and serviceability of automotive body panels.
[0005] According to the patent application "CN108590403A" titled "Scissors door hinge mechanism and vehicle," invention relates to a kind of scissors door hinge mechanism and vehicle, scissors door hinge mechanism includes hinge fixed page (4), articulate page (5), the first push rod (1), the second push rod (2), first connecting rod (6) and second connecting rod (7), hinge fixed page is fixed on vehicle body (100), second connecting rod is fixed on scissor door, articulate page is hinged by the first articulated shaft (8) and hinge fixed page, vehicle body is fixed in one end of first push rod, the other end is connect with articulate page, to push articulate page to be rotated around the first articulated shaft；One end of first connecting rod is connect with articulate page, second connecting rod is hinged by the second articulated shaft (9) and first connecting rod, second push rod is connected between first connecting rod and second connecting rod, to pull second connecting rod to be rotated around the second articulated shaft, wherein the first articulated shaft is vertical with the second articulated shaft. Installation space needed for the scissors door hinge mechanism is small, simple in structure, reliable in action, and aperture regulation range is big.
[0006] Another patent application, " CN107901738A," titled " A kind of novel scissors door," describes a kind of novel scissors door, including pushing mechanism, car door rotating mechanism and car door body outside vehicle body installation portion part, car door；The outer pushing mechanism of car door includes push rod, connecting rod, skeleton and spill spin block mechanism；Vehicle body installation portion part, connecting rod, spill spin block mechanism and skeleton form quadric chain；Realize that skeleton installs axis rotation around skeleton by the thrust of push rod, so as to drive spill spin block mechanism around skeleton and the connection axis rotation of spill spin block mechanism. The rotary motion of spill spin block mechanism is converted into the rotary motion of car door rotating mechanism by transmission mechanism, so as to drive car door body to rotarily open or close. The present invention is designed by special hinge arrangement and substantially increases laser intensity, the ingenious technical solution for adding gear drive with quadric chain, realizes 90 degree of car door opening angle. Solves the problems, such as difficulty of getting on or off the bus caused by open angle is small；Car door automatic shutter can be realized using electric pushrod, solve the problems, such as that conventional scissors door switch door is difficult.
[0007] In any of the discussed prior arts, describe mechanisms for scissors doors that utilize complex multi-link and pushrod assemblies to achieve vertical or angular door movement. However, these mechanisms exhibit several limitations. Similarly, prior art introduces a quadric chain linkage combined with a spill spin block mechanism and additional transmission elements to convert rotary motion for opening the car door. However, the design depends heavily on coordinated gear and linkage motion, which increases mechanical complexity, weight, and manufacturing costs.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The objective of invention is to provide a four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel.
[0009] The objective of invention is to provide a method of the four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel.
[0010] The objective of present invention is to provide the four-axis hinge that provides a complex and controlled range of motion while maintaining optimal sealing, aesthetics, and structural integrity.
[0011] Furthermore, the objective of present invention is to provide the four-axis hinge that prevent water and dust ingress during the operation of the hinge mechanism, thereby ensuring the durability and reliability of the storage or service compartments over the vehicle’s lifecycle.
[0012] Furthermore, the objective of present invention is to provide the four-axis hinge that provides a sine-curve derived motion locus, enabling the openable panel to move outward from a waistline of the vehicle before rotating, thereby reducing interference with surrounding parts and enhancing sealing performance.

SUMMARY
[0013] The present invention relates to a four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel.
[0014] According to an aspect, a four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel is disclosed. Further, a first mounting bracket configured to be fixed to a stationary structure of a vehicle. Further, a second mounting bracket configured to be attached to an openable panel of the vehicle. Further, a first swing arm connected pivotally at a second portion of the first mounting bracket and at a first portion of the second mounting bracket to provide an anterior rotatory motion about the pivot points. Further, a second swing arm connected pivotally at a first portion of the first mounting bracket and at a second portion of the second mounting bracket to provide a posterior rotatory motion about the pivot points to push the vehicle panel away from a waist line of the vehicle. Further, the coordinated motion of the first swing arm and the second swing arm enables the openable panel to move along a pivot points to allow the panel to first move outwardly away from the vehicle body and then rotate upwardly to achieve an opening angle of at least 120 degrees.
[0015] According to another aspect, a method of a four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel comprising, coupling a first mounting bracket to a stationary structure of a vehicle. Further, coupling a second mounting bracket to an openable panel of the vehicle. Further, coupling a first swing arm pivotally at a second portion of the first mounting bracket and to a first portion of the second mounting bracket to provide an anterior rotatory motion about the pivot points. Further, coupling a second swing arm pivotally at a first portion of the first mounting bracket and to a second portion of the second mounting bracket to provide a posterior rotatory motion about the pivot points to push the vehicle panel away from a waist line of the vehicle. Further, the coordinated motion of the first swing arm and the second swing arm enables the openable panel to move along a pivot points to allow the panel to first move outwardly away from the vehicle body and then rotate upwardly to achieve an opening angle of at least 120 degrees.
[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel in an open state according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of a four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0023] Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0024] The present invention discloses a four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel is disclosed. The embodiments of the present invention comprise a first mounting bracket configured to be fixed to a stationary structure of a vehicle. The embodiments of the present invention comprise a second mounting bracket configured to be attached to an openable panel of the vehicle. The embodiments of the present invention comprise a first swing arm connected pivotally at a second portion of the first mounting bracket and at a first portion of the second mounting bracket to provide an anterior rotatory motion about the pivot points. The embodiments of the present invention comprise a second swing arm connected pivotally at a first portion of the first mounting bracket and at a second portion of the second mounting bracket to provide a posterior rotatory motion about the pivot points to push the vehicle panel away from a waist line of the vehicle. Further, the coordinated motion of the first swing arm and the second swing arm enables the openable panel to move along a pivot points to allow the panel to first move outwardly away from the vehicle body and then rotate upwardly to achieve an opening angle of at least 120 degrees
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel in a closed state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel in an open state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] In some embodiments, the four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel is a mechanical linkage system configured to provide complex, smooth, and precise movement of vehicle panels such as side doors, storage compartments, or service hatches. The four-axis hinge for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel allows the panel to first move outward from the vehicle body, preventing interference with adjacent structures and then rotate upward or sideways to achieve a wide opening angle. The four- axis hinge ensures better sealing, improved aesthetics, enhanced serviceability, and reduced weight, while maintaining structural rigidity and ease of maintenance.
[0027] In some embodiments, the four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel comprises a first mounting bracket (102) having a first portion (102) and a second portion (104). Further, the four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel comprises a second mounting bracket (108) having a first portion (110) and a second portion (112). Further, the four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel comprises a first swing arm (114) and a second swing arm (116). Further, the four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel comprises a plurality of riveted or washered joints (118).
[0028] In some embodiments, the four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel includes a first mounting bracket (102) configured to be fixed to a stationary structure of a vehicle. The first mounting bracket (102) comprises the first portion (104) and the second portion (106) that together provide a robust and stable support for a hinge mechanism. The first portion (104) of the first mounting bracket (102) corresponds to lower portion of the first mounting bracket (102) and the second portion (106) of the first mounting bracket (102) corresponds to centre portion of the first mounting bracket (102). Further, the stationary structure of a vehicle comprises a chassis frame, body panel support of the vehicle, or other non-movable structural member of the vehicle. Further, the first mounting bracket (102) comprises at least two openings in order to bolt the first mounting bracket (102) to the stationary surface of the vehicle.
[0029] In some embodiments, the four-axis hinge (100) further comprises the second mounting bracket (108) configured to be attached to an openable panel of the vehicle, such as a storage compartment door, service hatch, or roof panel. Further, the second mounting bracket (108) comprises a first portion (110) and a second portion (112). The first portion (110) of the second mounting bracket (108) corresponds to upper portion of the second mounting bracket (108) and the second portion (112) of the second mounting bracket (108) corresponds to lower portion of the second mounting bracket (108). The second mounting bracket (108) is coupled with a supporting structure of the openable panel of the vehicle and comprises at least two openings to enable bolted attachment.
[0030] In some embodiments, the first mounting bracket (102) and the second mounting bracket (108) are engineered to accommodate varying panel sizes and load conditions to enable the four-axis hinge (100) to be used across different vehicle panels with ensured durability, stability, and controlled motion throughout the panel’s range of operation.
[0031] In some embodiments, the four-axis hinge (100) further comprises the first swing arm (114) pivotally connected at the second portion (106) of the first mounting bracket (102) and at the first portion (110) of the second mounting bracket (108). The first swing arm (114) is configured to provide anterior rotatory motion of the panel about respective pivot points to enable the panel to move along a controlled curved locus rather than a simple circular path. Further, the first swing arm (114) is configured to provide a primary lifting motion of the vehicle panel, allowing the panel to move away from the vehicle body before rotating along the curved locus.
[0032] In some embodiments, the first swing arm (114) is connected to the first mounting bracket (102) and second mounting bracket (108) using a plurality of riveted or washered joints (118), configured to provide free rotational movement about each pivot axis. The first swing arm (114) transmits motion between the stationary structure of the vehicle and the openable panel of the vehicle and ensure that the panel opens to the desired angle ranges from 90 degrees to 120 degrees, while maintaining proper alignment, gaps, and flushness with surrounding surfaces. Furthermore, a geometry of the first swing arm (114) and connection points are optimized to avoid interference with adjacent components and to ensure proper operation of any sealing system employed on the panel of the vehicle.
[0033] In some embodiments, the four-axis hinge (100) further comprises the second swing arm (116) pivotally connected at the first portion of the first mounting bracket (102) and at the second portion of the second mounting bracket (108). The second swing arm (116) is configured to provide posterior rotatory motion about the respective pivot points, which pushes the vehicle panel outwardly away from a waistline of the vehicle. In addition to the rotatory motion, the second swing arm (116) is configured to provide a translational outward displacement of the panel to provide improved sealing of the storage compartment and maintaining flushness and aesthetic alignment with surrounding panels. The geometry and positioning of the second swing arm (116) are optimized to distribute panel loads effectively, avoid interference with adjacent components, and ensure that the four-axis hinge (100) operates throughout its full range of motion. Furthermore, the four-axis hinge (100) is lightweight and the weight is maintained within approximately 200 grams.
[0034] In some embodiments, the coordinated motion of the first swing arm (114) and the second swing arm (116) enables the openable vehicle panel to move along a predetermined path defined by the pivot points of the four-axis hinge (100). Initially, the panel is displaced outwardly away from the vehicle body to create a sufficient clearance between the vehicle panel and the surrounding structural members. The outward motion of the vehicle panel is primarily provided by the second swing arm (116), which provides posterior rotation and translational displacement. Further, the first swing arm (114) provide the anterior rotation and primary lifting motion. The mechanism provides smooth, controlled motion throughout the opening sequence, thereby improving the overall aesthetic flushness, avoiding gaps or misalignments, and maintaining the functional integrity of any sealing system employed on the panel.
[0035] In some embodiments, the motion of the vehicle panel is further guided along a curved locus derived from a sine function, which governs the coordinated rotation and translation of the first swing arm (114) and the second swing arm (116). The sine-curve-based locus allows the vehicle panel to first move outwardly away from the vehicle body and then rotate upward to achieve a full opening angle of at least 120 degrees. The coordinated action of the first swing arm (114) and the second swing arm (116) eliminates the need for additional stoppers or stay rods, and allowing integration of loaded springs within the four-axis hinge (100) if required.
[0036] In an example embodiment, the four-axis hinge (100) may be deployed as multiple four-axis hinge (100) assemblies distributed along the length of the panel for extended or larger vehicle panels. The load-bearing capacity of the overall system is proportionally enhanced by increasing the number of hinge assemblies that ensure that heavier or longer panels may be lifted, rotated, and held securely without imposing excessive stress on individual hinges or the vehicle structure. Each four-axis hinge (100) assembly operates independently while maintaining coordinated motion along the curved locus derived from the sine function, allowing the panel to move outwardly from the vehicle body and then upwardly to achieve the desired opening angle of at least 120 degrees.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a method (400) of a four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] At operation 402, the first mounting bracket (102) is coupled to the stationary structure of a vehicle. The first mounting bracket (102) comprises the first (104) portion and the second portion (106) that together provide a robust and stable support for a hinge mechanism. The first portion (104) of the first mounting bracket (102) corresponds to lower portion of the first mounting bracket (102) and the second portion (106) of the first mounting bracket (102) corresponds to centre portion of the first mounting bracket (102). Further, the first mounting bracket (102) comprises at least two openings in order to couple the first mounting bracket (102) to the stationary surface of the vehicle.
[0039] At operation 404, the second mounting bracket (108) is coupled to the openable panel of the vehicle. The openable panel comprises a storage compartment door, service hatch, or roof panel. Further, the second mounting bracket (108) comprises a first portion (110) and a second portion (112). The first portion (110) of the second mounting bracket (108) corresponds to upper portion of the second mounting bracket (108) and the second portion (112) of the second mounting bracket (108) corresponds to lower portion of the second mounting bracket (108). The second mounting bracket (108) is coupled with a supporting structure of the openable panel of the vehicle and comprises at least two openings to enable bolted attachment.
[0040] At operation 406, the first swing arm (114) pivotally coupled at the second portion (106) of the first mounting bracket (102) and to the first portion (110) of the second mounting bracket (108) to provide the anterior rotatory motion about the pivot points via the plurality of riveted or washered joints (118). The first swing arm (114) is configured to provide anterior rotatory motion of the panel about respective pivot points to enable the panel to move along a controlled curved locus rather than a simple circular path. Further, the first swing arm (114) is configured to provide a primary lifting motion of the vehicle panel, allowing the panel to move away from the vehicle body before rotating along the curved locus.
[0041] At operation 408, the second swing arm (116) is pivotally coupled to the first portion (104) of the first mounting bracket (102) and to the second portion (112) of the second mounting bracket (108) to provide the posterior rotatory motion about the pivot points to push the vehicle panel away from a waist line of the vehicle. In addition to the rotatory motion, the second swing arm (116) is configured to provide a translational outward displacement of the panel to provide improved sealing of the storage compartment and maintaining flushness and aesthetic alignment with surrounding panels.
[0042] In some embodiments, initially, the vehicle panel is displaced outwardly away from the vehicle body to create a sufficient clearance between the vehicle panel and the surrounding structural members. The outward motion of the vehicle panel is primarily provided by the second swing arm (116), which provides posterior rotation and translational displacement. Further, the first swing arm (114) provide the anterior rotation and primary lifting motion.
[0043] It has thus been seen the four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel, as described. The four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel in any case could undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the same innovative concept; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the components used, as well as the numbers, shapes, and sizes of the components can be whatever according to the technical requirements. The scope of protection of the invention is therefore defined by the attached claims.
, C , Claims:We Claim:
1. A four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel, comprising:
a first mounting bracket (102) configured to be fixed to a stationary structure of a vehicle;
a second mounting bracket (108) configured to be attached to an openable panel of the vehicle;
a first swing arm (114) connected pivotally at a second portion (106) of the first mounting bracket (102) and at a first portion (110) of the second mounting bracket (108) to provide an anterior rotatory motion about the pivot points; and
a second swing arm (116) connected pivotally at a first portion (104) of the first mounting bracket (102) and at a second portion (112) of the second mounting bracket (108) to provide a posterior rotatory motion about the pivot points to push the vehicle panel away from a waist line of the vehicle,
wherein the coordinated motion of the first swing arm (114) and the second swing arm (116) enables the openable panel to move along a pivot points to allow the panel to first move outwardly away from the vehicle body and then rotate upwardly to achieve an opening angle of at least 120 degrees.

2. The four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (104) of the first mounting bracket (102) corresponds to lower portion of the first mounting bracket (102) and the second portion (106) of the first mounting bracket (102) corresponds to centre portion of the first mounting bracket (102).
3. The four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (110) of the second mounting bracket (108) corresponds to upper portion of the second mounting bracket (108) and the second portion (112) of the second mounting bracket (108) corresponds to lower portion of the second mounting bracket (108).

4. The four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first mounting bracket (102) and second mounting bracket (108) are boltably mounted the vehicle to provide modularity and ease of servicing.
5. The four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first swing arm (114) and the second swing arm (116) are connected to the first mounting bracket (102) and second mounting bracket (108) using riveted or washered joints (118), configured to permit free rotational movement about each pivot axis.
6. The four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first swing arm (114) is configured to provide a primary lifting motion of the vehicle panel, while the second swing arm (116) is configured to provide the translational outward displacement to ensure improved sealing and aesthetics.
7. The four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first swing arm (114) and the second swing arm (116) enable the openable panel to move along a curved locus derived from a sine function, thereby allowing the vehicle panel to first move outwardly away from the vehicle body.
8. The four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein number of four-axis hinge (100) assemblies is increased along a length of extended vehicle panels to increase the load bearing capacity for extended or larger panels of the vehicle.
9. A method of a four-axis hinge (100) for controlled opening and closing of a vehicle panel comprising:
coupling a first mounting bracket (102) to a stationary structure of a vehicle;
coupling a second mounting bracket (108) to an openable panel of the vehicle;
coupling a first swing arm (114) pivotally at a second portion (106) of the first mounting bracket (102) and to a first portion (110) of the second mounting bracket (108) to provide an anterior rotatory motion about the pivot points; and
coupling a second swing arm (116) pivotally at a first portion (104) of the first mounting bracket (102) and to a second portion (112) of the second mounting bracket (108) to provide a posterior rotatory motion about the pivot points to push the vehicle panel away from a waist line of the vehicle,
wherein the coordinated motion of the first swing arm (114) and the second swing arm (116) enables the openable panel to move along a pivot points to allow the panel to first move outwardly away from the vehicle body and then rotate upwardly to achieve an opening angle of at least 120 degrees.