Description:Technical Field
[0001] The present subject matter relates to hinges. More specifically, the present subject matter relates to door hinges on motor vehicles.
Background
[0002] A motor vehicle is perhaps the most popular personal transportation vehicle. It comprises of a frame which supports a prime mover and other components. These components are tightly packed within the dimensions of the vehicle and are supported by the frame. The vehicle is propelled forward by the prime mover. The prime mover can be an internal combustion (IC) engine or an electric motor or a combination thereof. The components of a motor vehicle are generally covered in body parts. Depending on the type of vehicle, a general personal transport vehicle will have a capacity to carry anywhere between one and ten people. A saddle type vehicle for example has only two wheels, and as such is inherently unstable at low speeds. These vehicles generally have a capacity for two people, a rider and a pillion. A three-wheeler vehicle on the other hand has three wheels and generally carries a driver and three passengers. A vehicle with four or more wheels can carry more passengers than a saddle type vehicle or a three-wheeler vehicle.
[0003] Safety measures such as seat belts and doors are provided on such vehicles for the protection of the driver and the passengers. A door of a vehicle is a complex assembly part that has several individual component parts working together. A vehicle door generally has a window which can be rolled up or down, disposed within the body panels of the door. A door also has a latch and a locking mechanism so that the door should not open while the vehicle is moving. Modern vehicles have doors which are equipped with electric switches that can control vehicle locking, windows, rear view mirrors etc. Naturally, a door has to be a movable part since it will be opened and closed multiple times in a day and it should not fail. A door generally opens pivotally outside from the mounting point on the vehicle frame or body. It is mounted to the vehicle with one or more hinges. Depending on the type of door, different types of hinges may be used. Most doors open horizontally forwards in a vehicle front rear direction, while some doors open vertically upwards.
[0004] Even though a vehicle door may be designed for ergonomics and comfort, it is there to serve a very important function, protection of the passengers, and as such is a vital part of any vehicle. The mounting of the door is thus of vital importance.
[0005] A major limitation associated with the manufacturing and assembly of vehicle door hinges is the non-uniformity of design of application of the door hinges. Conventional manufacturing layouts employ a different design of door hinges for the left side door in comparison to the right-side door. The manufacturing variances with door hinge design entails high investment involved in revamping manufacturing process for suiting the left side door against the right-side door, a higher component cost, a higher assembly time of the door hinge and an extended final manufacturing time of the vehicle. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are the major stakeholders dealing with the limitations of non-uniform manufacturing variants of door hinges.
[0006] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0008] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure provides a vehicle door hinge assembly comprising a first member, a second member and a pivoting member. The first member is configured to interface with an inner surface of a door panel of a vehicle, wherein the first member comprises a first set of mounting provisions configured to mount the first member to the inner surface of the door panel. The first member further comprises a first pivoting portion with a first set of pivoting provisions (402) configured to receive the pivoting unit. The second member is configured to interface with an external surface of a body panel of the vehicle, wherein the second member comprises one or more second set of mounting provisions configured to mount the second member to the external surface of the body panel. The second member further comprises a second pivoting portion with a second set of pivoting provisions configured to receive the pivoting unit. The pivoting unit is configured to connect the first member to the second member and provide rotational movement of the first member about a pivot axis of the pivoting unit.
[0009] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure also provides for the first set of pivoting provisions, the second set of pivoting provisions and the pivot axis is axially aligned.
[00010] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure also provides for the first member being symmetrical about a YZ plane such that the first set of pivoting provisions are configured to axially align with the pivot axis under varying positions of the first member. Additionally, the second member is symmetric about a XY plane such that the second set of pivoting provisions are configured to axially align with the pivot axis under varying positions of the second member.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[00011] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.
[00012] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of an isometric view of the vehicle door hinge assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00013] Figure 2 is an exemplary illustration of a view of the vehicle door hinge assembly on the Y-Z plane seen along the X-X’ axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00014] Figure 3 (a) is an exemplary illustration of a view of the second member on the Y-Z plane along the X’-X axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00015] Figure 3 (b) is an exemplary illustration of a view of the second member on the X-Z plane along the Y’Y axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00016] Figure 3 (c) is an exemplary illustration of a view of the second member on the X-Y plane along the Z-Z’ axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00017] Figure 3 (d) is an exemplary illustration of an isometric view of the second member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00018] Figure 4 (a) is an exemplary illustration of a view of the first member on the X-Z plane along a Y’-Y axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00019] Figure 4 (b) is an exemplary illustration of a view of one or more components of the first member on the Y-Z plane along the X’-X axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00020] Figure 4 (c) is an exemplary illustration of a view of one or more components of the first member on the X-Y plane along a Z-Z’ axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00021] Figure 4 (d) is an exemplary illustration of an isometric view of the first member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00022] Figure 5 is an exemplary illustration of a view of the vehicle door hinge assembly on the X-Z plane along the Y’-Y axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00023] Figure 6 is an exemplary illustration of a view of the vehicle door hinge assembly on the X-Y plane along the Z-Z’ axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00024] Figure 7 is an exemplary representative illustration of an exploded view of the vehicle door hinge assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00025] Figure 8 is an exemplary illustration of the first member of the vehicle door hinge assembly mounted on a vehicle door, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00026] Figure 9 is an exemplary illustration of the second member of the vehicle door hinge assembly mounted on a vehicle body, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00027] Figure 10 is an exemplary illustration of a cross section view of the vehicle door hinge assembly mounted on the door and the vehicle body, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[00028] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
[00029] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00030] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00031] The present invention may be illustrated with reference to a three-wheeled vehicle or a multi-axle vehicle configured to have a vehicle door such that the features, aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention is applicable to the vehicle. In an aspect, the vehicle may comprise of a prime mover being one of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor or a combination thereof or any form of prime mover capable of harnessing engine from an energy source to provide propulsion of the vehicle.
[00032] The object of the present subject matter is to provide a universal vehicle door hinge assembly having adaptability in implementation without increasing part count and component cost.
[00033] To this end, the present subject matter provides a vehicle door hinge assembly comprising of a first member, a second member and a pivoting unit. The first member is mounted on to an inner surface of a door panel of a vehicle while the second member is mounted on an external surface of a body panel of the vehicle. The pivoting unit connects the first member to the second member to provide rotational movement to the first member about a pivot axis. The first member of the vehicle door hinge assembly is designed to be symmetric about a YZ plane while the second member of the vehicle door hinge assembly is designed to be symmetric about a XY plane. The symmetric design of the first member and second member of the vehicle door hinge assembly with a pivoting unit connecting them assures the applicability of the vehicle door hinge assembly on a left hand side as well as a right hand side of the vehicle. Overall, the number of components of the vehicle door hinge assembly manufactured for a desired vehicle remains the same per assembly, further the manufacturing process only need to accommodate two types of assemblies, one where the vehicle door hinge assembly is adapted for the left hand side and other where the vehicle door hinge assembly is adapted for the right hand side.
[00034] A vehicle door is securely mounted to the vehicle body for ergonomic, aerodynamic and safety reasons. A door is a vital part of any vehicle that can have a door. The assembly of a door is usually a complex process as there are many different components that are mounted to or disposed on he door of a vehicle. For example, vehicles doors carry a window, a latch, a lock and sometimes, the rear view mirrors. The assembly of the vehicle is thus a complex process.
[00035] The hinges used to attach the door to the vehicle body is a complex part requiring a complex manufacturing process itself. Vehicle door hinges are generally made from metallic parts. The individual parts of the hinge may be stamped, forged or cast. Regardless of the design of the hinge, any vehicle door hinge will have at least two basic components, a body side mounting component and a door side mounting component. The two mounting arms may be joined by something as simple as a pivoting mechanism, or something very complex designed to give certain characteristics to the door. A hinge is usually designed with two or more mounting holes on either mounting components. Low cost vehicles generally would contain a basic pivoting hinge, whereas higher priced and luxury vehicles will have doors that open vertically, or are designed to not make any sound while being opened and closed.
[00036] In addition to being a safety feature, a door also protects the passengers from the natural elements. It is therefore vital that a locked door maintain a seal. For this, the door body itself is designed in such a way that the door can easily slot into the vehicle body to maintain a better sealing effect. For this purpose, a vehicle with more than one door may require multiple hinge designs for different doors. A hinge fitted on the top of the right hand side front door may not be of use at the top of the left hand side front door. It is often the case that hinges are specifically designed for specific joints on specific doors.
[00037] The drawback associated with the design of vehicle door assemblies is that there are no commonization of parts, and multiple different types of hinges are required. This also means that serviceability may be difficult as one hinge cannot easily replace the other, and the specific part has to be fitted. Further, the assembly and manufacture time will be longer than required. Moreover, separate assemblies have to be carried out for the different types of hinges.
[00038] In a prior art of the present subject matter, a vehicle having four doors requires to make hinges that in total are three different parts of the hinge assembly having a common body side mounting component but two different door side mounting component – where one is adapted for a left hand side vehicle door and the other is adapted for a right hand side vehicle door, thus requiring two different assemblies.
[00039] In another prior art of the present subject matter, a vehicle having four doors requires a total of eight components – wherein each body side mounting component and door side mounting component are different, and each door assembly requires at least two hinge assemblies. Further, the requirement of eight components yields to a requirement of at least four different door assemblies being required for the vehicle.
[00040] It is therefore an objective of the present subject matter to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and problems known in the prior arts. The present subject matter provides an improved vehicle door hinge assembly for a vehicle where the number of parts and assemblies are minimised. This increases ease of manufacturability and serviceability, and thus consists of only two symmetrical parts which can be pivotally joined together to obtain a door hinge. One part is symmetrical about the Y-Z plane, while another part is symmetrical about the X-Y plane. Thus, the same parts can be used on both left-hand side doors and right-hand side doors by rotating the first part symmetrical about YZ plane by 180 degrees.
[00041] Thus, the present subject matter has clear technical advancement over the common general knowledge and the prior art.
[00042] Further, in conventional manufacturing practices of vehicle door hinge assemblies a draft is provided on the door side mounting component and the vehicle side mounting component. The draft is configured to permit ease of interfacing of the components with the surface of the door and the vehicle body. The purpose of a manufacturing draft is to provide a form of manufacturing clearance with reference to the vehicle design.
[00043] In accordance with the present configuration to ensure ease of adaptability of the disclosed vehicle door hinge assembly, the manufacturing draft is eliminated in the first member and the second member of the vehicle door hinge assembly, instead the manufacturing draft is to be accommodated in the vehicle body and the surface of the door. Owing to customized design of the vehicle body and the vehicle door, incorporation of manufacturing variants and manufacturing drafts is easier on the vehicle body and vehicle door manufacturing side, while letting the vehicle door hinge assembly be deemed universally adaptable in all vehicle designs.
[00044] Additionally, the object of the present subject matter is to reduce the complexity involved in the manufacturing of the vehicle door assemblies.
[00045] To this end, the provision of a communized part in the form of the vehicle door hinge assembly reduces the overall number of assemblies to be undertaken in the manufacturing set-up for the manufacture of a vehicle. The vehicle door hinge assembly comprising of the similarly designed first member, second member and the pivoting unit can be transposed by 180 degrees to be adapted to suit the left-side door configuration and the right side door configuration, reducing the total number of assemblies to merely two. Thus, the complexity in assembly of the vehicle door hinge assembly in the vehicle is significantly reduced along with the manufacturing time spent on the development of the individual components of the vehicle door hinge assembly.
[00046] Further, an additional cost of investment for manufacture of a newly designed part is entirely eliminated in accordance with the disclosed configuration of a universal vehicle door hinge assembly.
[00047] Ancillary to reduced assembly time and manufacturing time, the object of the present subject matter is to reduce the cost associated with assembly and manufacturing.
[00048] In a shop floor set-up the cost associated with assembly and manufacturing are counted in terms of man hours spent in completing the task of manufacturing and assembly. With an improved and communized vehicle door hinge assembly design, the assembly time and manufacturing time is reduced and consequently the cost of manufacture and assembly is reduced.
[00049] The object of the present subject matter is to provide an economic replacement to vehicle hinge door assemblies known in conventional vehicle layouts.
[00050] In accordance with the present configuration, the vehicle door hinge assembly additionally reduces the overall cost of the components developed for the vehicle door hinge assembly.
[00051] Additionally, the present subject matter in accordance with the disclosed configuration proffers a vehicle door hinge assembly having improved packaging effectiveness.
[00052] In accordance with the present configuration, the provision of a simple vehicle door hinge assembly design comprising of symmetrical first member and symmetrical second member connected by a pivoting unit allows adaptability of the vehicle door hinge assembly in a compact vehicle layout and provide improved packaging efficiency in comparison to conventional known vehicle door hinge assemblies.
[00053] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of an isometric view of the vehicle door hinge assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00054] With reference to figure 1, 100 denotes a vehicle door hinge assembly, 400 denotes a first member, 300 denotes a second member, 108 denotes a pivoting unit, 102 denotes a first pivoting portion, 104 denotes a first set of mounting provisions, 106 denotes a second pivoting portion and 107 denotes a second set of mounting provisions. Further reference signs of Figure 1 shall be explained in conjunction with subsequent figures for clearer understanding and illustration.
[00055] Figure 2 is an exemplary illustration of a view of the vehicle door hinge assembly on the Y-Z plane seen along the X-X’ axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00056] With reference to figure 2, in conjunction with the embodiments of the present subject matter illustrated in Figure 1, 101 denotes a first portion of the first member (400), 103 denotes a hinge stop of the first member, and 105 denotes a second portion of the second member (300).
[00057] For the purposes of brevity and conciseness, Figure 1 and Figure 2 are explained in conjunction with each other.
[00058] In an aspect, the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) comprises of a first member (400), a second member (300) and a pivoting unit. The first member (400) is configured to interface with an inner surface of a door panel of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the first member (400) is a door side component of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100). The first member (400) comprises a first set of mounting provisions (104) and a first pivoting portion. The first set of mounting provisions (104) are configured to mount the first member (400) to the inner surface of the door panel while the first pivoting portion (102) with a first set of pivoting provisions configured to receive the pivoting unit (108).
[00059] The second member (300) is configured to interface with an external surface of a body panel of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the second member (300) is a body side component of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100). The second member (300) comprises a second set of mounting provisions (107) and a second pivoting portion (106). The second member (300) comprises a second set of mounting provisions (107) configured to mount the second member (300) to the external surface of the body panel. The second pivoting portion (106) comprises a second pivoting portion (106) with a second set of pivoting provisions configured to receive the pivoting unit (108).
[00060] The pivoting unit (108) is configured to connect the first member (400) to the second member (300) in order to enable swivel or rotational movement of the first member (400) about a pivot axis of the pivoting unit (108). In an embodiment, the pivot axis is an imaginary axis passing through a centre of the pivoting unit (108) when viewed from a top view. To enable ease of assembly and operation, the first set of pivoting provisions, the second set of pivoting provisions and the pivot axis being axially aligned.
[00061] In an aspect, the first member (400) being symmetrical about a YZ plane such that the first set of pivoting provisions are configured to axially align with the pivot axis under varying positions of the first member (400). The carrying positions of the first member (400) illustrate the modification in positioning of the first member (400) when used with reference to a left side or a right side of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the first member (400) is flipped through 180 degrees about a YZ plane to be adaptable to suit a left-side vehicle door.
[00062] In an aspect, the second member (300) is symmetric about a XY plane such that the second set of pivoting provisions is configured to axially align with the pivot axis under varying positions of the second member (300). The varying positions of the second member (300) illustrate the modification in positioning of the second member (300) to be used with left hand side and right hand side of the vehicle.
[00063] Figure 3 (a) is an exemplary illustration of a view of the second member on the Y-Z plane along the X’-X axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00064] Figure 3 (b) is an exemplary illustration of a view of the second member on the X-Z plane along the Y’Y axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00065] Figure 3 (c) is an exemplary illustration of a view of the second member on the X-Y plane along the Z-Z’ axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00066] Figure 3 (d) is an exemplary illustration of an isometric view of the second member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00067] For the sake of brevity, Figure 3(a), Figure 3(b), Figure 3(c) and Figure 3 (d) are explained together to illustrate embodiments of the second member (300).
[00068] With reference to Figure 3(a), Figure 3(b), Figure 3(c) and Figure 3 (d), 301 denotes a second set of pivoting provisions and 302 denotes a connecting portion.
[00069] In an aspect, the second member (300) comprises a second portion (105), a connecting portion (302), a rectangular metallic portion (109) and a second pivoting portion (106). In an aspect, the second portion (105), the connecting portion (302), the rectangular metallic portion (109) and the second pivoting portion (106) are integrated o form the second member (300) of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100).
[00070] The connecting portion (302) extends from the second portion (105) and comprises of a bend. The rectangular metallic portion (109) extends from the connecting portion (302). The second pivoting portion (106) comprising the second set of pivoting provisions (301).
[00071] In an aspect, the second portion (105) comprises the second set of mounting provisions (105) to mount the second member (300) onto an outer surface of a body panel of the vehicle.
[00072] In an aspect, the connecting portion (302) comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is along an axis (AA’) and is connected to the second portion (105), while the second surface is along an axis (BB’) and is connected to the rectangular metallic portion (109). In an aspect, the connecting portion (302) is provided with a bend of a pre-defined radius of curvature between the first surface (AA’) and the second surface (BB’). The pre-defined radius of curvature is configured to be such that an imaginary line projecting along a length of the second portion (105) and an imaginary line projecting along a length of the rectangular metallic portion (109) is at an angle α.
[00073] In an aspect, the rectangular metallic portion (109) is disposed perpendicular to the second portion (105) and being integrated with the second portion (105) through the connecting portion (302). The rectangular metallic portion (109) comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the rectangular metallic portion (109) extends from the connecting portion (302) in a XX’ direction; and the second surface of the rectangular metallic portion (109) is provided with a tapering portion connecting to the second pivoting portion (106).
[00074] In an embodiment, the second portion (105), the connecting portion (302) and the rectangular metallic portion (109) together form an L-shaped structure, which makes it easier to mount the vehicle door to the body of the vehicle.
[00075] In an aspect, the second pivoting portion (106) is a cylindrical shaped portion with a second set of pivoting provisions. In an embodiment, the second set of pivoting provisions is a central through hole disposed in the centre of the cylindrical shaped second pivoting portion (106) passing through the pivot axis. The second pivoting portion (106) comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is configured to interface with a bottom surface of the first pivoting portion (102) and the bottom surface is configured to interface with a top surface of a lock (503) of the pivoting unit (108).
[00076] In an embodiment, the breadth of the rectangular metallic element (109) is greater than the height of the second pivoting portion (106). In another embodiment, the width of the second portion (300) is wide enough to allow the hinge stop (103) to stop the rotation of the first member (400).
[00077] Figure 4 (a) is an exemplary illustration of a view of the first member on the X-Z plane along a Y’-Y axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00078] Figure 4 (b) is an exemplary illustration of a view of one or more components of the first member on the Y-Z plane along the X’-X axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00079] Figure 4 (c) is an exemplary illustration of a view of one or more components of the first member on the X-Y plane along a Z-Z’ axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00080] Figure 4 (d) is an exemplary illustration of an isometric view of the first member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00081] For the sake of brevity, Figure 4(a), Figure 4(b), Figure 4(c) and Figure 4(d) are explained together to illustrate embodiments of the first member (400).
[00082] With reference to Figure 4(a), Figure 4(b), Figure 4(c) and Figure 4(d), 402 denotes a first set of pivoting provisions.
[00083] In an aspect, the first member (400) comprises a first portion (101), a first pivoting portion (102) and a hinge stop (103). The first portion (101) comprises the first set of mounting provisions (104) configured to mount the first member (400) onto the inner surface of a door panel of the vehicle. The first pivoting portion (102) comprises a first set of pivoting provisions (402). In an embodiment, the first set of mounting provisions (104) are disposed on an upper end of the first portion (101).
[00084] In an aspect, the first portion (101) is disposed in a XZ plane. The first pivoting portion (102) extends perpendicularly from a bottom portion of the first portion (101) in a YY’ direction. The hinge stop (103) is integrated with the first pivoting portion (102). The hinge stop (103) is a protrusion extending from the first pivoting portion (102) in the YY’ direction configured to set a limit to the rotation of the first member (400). In an aspect, the hinge stop (103) extends from an end of the first pivoting portion (102) opposite to the first portion.
[00085] In an embodiment, the end of the first pivoting portion (102) is rounded and the first set of pivoting portion comprises of a hole configured to receive the pivoting unit (108). The hinge stop (103) extends straight along the axis of the first pivoting portion (102) from a furthermost end of the first pivoting portion (102). At an edge, the first pivoting portion (102) is rounded along its length at a predetermined distance from the circumference of the first set of pivoting provisions (402).
[00086] In operation, a top surface of the first pivoting portion (102) receives the pivoting unit (108). In an aspect, the first set of pivoting provisions (402) is configured to be capable of receiving at least one bushing, and at least a pivoting unit (108).
[00087] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the first member (400) is symmetrical about a plane passing through the hinge stop (103), the first pivoting portion (102), the first set of pivoting provisions (402) and the first set of mounting provisions (104).
[00088] Figure 5 is an exemplary illustration of a view of the vehicle door hinge assembly on the X-Z plane along the Y’-Y axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00089] Figure 6 is an exemplary illustration of a view of the vehicle door hinge assembly on the X-Y plane along the Z-Z’ axis, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00090] Figure 7 is an exemplary representative illustration of an exploded view of the vehicle door hinge assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00091] For the sake of brevity, Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 are explained together in accordance with the configuration of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100).
[00092] With reference to Figure 5, 6 and 7, 502 denotes a spacer, and 503 denotes a lock, 702 denotes a bushing and 704 denotes a spacer.
[00093] In an aspect, the lock (503) is configured to limit movement of the pivoting unit (108) in the axial direction (ZZ’).
[00094] In operation, the first set of pivoting provisions (402) of the first member (400) is disposed above and axially aligned to the second set of pivoting provisions (301) of the second member (300). A bushing (702) is placed in the first set of pivoting provisions (402) and the second set of pivoting provisions (301), and a spacer (704) is placed between the first pivoting portion (102) and the second pivoting portion (106). The bushing (702) is thus disposed inside the hole created by the first set of pivoting provisions (402), the spacer (704), and the second set of pivoting provisions (301). The spacer (704) is placed there to maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100). Otherwise, when the door is opened and closed, metal would rub against metal, damaging both the first member (400) and the second member (300). The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) is assembled by inserting a pivoting unit (108) into the first set of pivoting provisions (402) and the second set of pivoting provisions (301) from the top, and a lock (503) into the first set of pivoting provisions (402) and the second set of pivoting provisions (301) from the bottom.
[00095] In an embodiment, the lock (503) being a locking pin, lift off bolt.
[00096] In an embodiment, the pivoting unit (108) being at least one of a centering bolt, a locking pin, a pivoting bolt. The pivoting unit (108) is mounted from a top of the first member (400) and passing through the second member (300).
[00097] Figure 8 is an exemplary illustration of the first member of the vehicle door hinge assembly mounted on a vehicle door, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00098] Figure 9 is an exemplary illustration of the second member of the vehicle door hinge assembly mounted on a vehicle body, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00099] Figure 10 is an exemplary illustration of a cross section view of the vehicle door hinge assembly mounted on the door and the vehicle body, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[000100] For the sake of brevity, Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10 are explained together in accordance with the configuration of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100).
[000101] With reference to Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10, 802 denotes a vehicle door, 805 denotes a first fastener, 902 denotes a vehicle body and 905 denotes a second fastener.
[000102] Figure 8 is an exemplary illustration of the first member (400) of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) mounted on a vehicle door (802). The first member (400) is the door side hinge, and the second member (300) is the body side hinge. The first member (400) is mounted to the door (802) by inserting a first fastener (805) through the first set of mounting provisions (104). Similarly, the second member (300) is mounted to the vehicle body by a second fastener (905) being inserted into the second set of mounting provisions (107).
[000103] Figure 9 is an exemplary illustration of the second member (300) of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) mounted on a vehicle body (902). The first member (400) is the door side hinge, and the second member (300) is the body side hinge. The second member (300) is mounted to the vehicle body (902) by a second fastener (905) being inserted into the second set of mounting provisions (107).
[000104] Figure 10 is an exemplary illustration of a cross section view of the hinge assembly (100, 200, 500) mounted on the door (802) and the vehicle body (902) when the door (802) is closed. Minuscule air gaps remain, which are appropriately sealed by applying sealing materials. The door cannot open beyond a certain arc, as the hinge stop (103) will prevent the door (802) from doing so.
[000105] In operation, the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) is assembled by holding the first pivoting portion (102) over the second pivoting portion (106), while ensuring that the first pivoting portion (102) is axially aligned with the second pivoting portion (106). The pivoting unit (108) is then passed through the first set of pivoting provisions (402) and the second set of pivoting provisions (301).
[000106] According to another embodiment, the pivoting unit (108) is a locking hinge pin put through into the first set of pivoting provisions (402) and the second set of pivoting provisions (301) from the top, and a lock (503) being a locking pin is put through into the first set of pivoting provisions (402) and the second set of pivoting provisions (301) from the bottom. In an embodiment, the first set of pivoting provisions (402) and the second set of pivoting provisions (301) are separated by a spacer (704). According to another embodiment, a bushing is entered into the axially aligned first set of pivoting provisions (402) and the second set of pivoting provisions (301) before the pivoting unit (108) and the lock (503) are inserted.
[000107] In an aspect, the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) is composed of a material being at least one of stainless steel, reinforced silicon, nickel, zinc, iron, lead or a combination thereof.
[000108] In an aspect, the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) is manufactured using one of a forging process or a stamping process.
[000109] As per the present embodiment, the diameter of the first set of mounting provisions and the second set of mounting provisions (107, 104) is between 5 and 15 millimetres. The diameter of the first set of pivoting provisions and the second set of pivoting provisions (301, 402) is between 10 and 20 millimetres. The diameter of the second pivoting portion (106) is between 17 and 28 millimetres. The width of the hinge stop (103) is between 3 and 10 millimetres.
[000110] While the present subject matter is illustrated with reference to a vehicle door, the disclosed configuration of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) is easily implementable to other forms of movable barrier which allow ingress and egress from a closure.
[000111] The advantages of the embodiment as described through the above illustrations of the present subject matter are as follows. The vehicle door hinge assembly comprising of the first member (400) and the second member (300) being symmetrical enables the part count and the number of assemblies involved in implementing the vehicle door hinge assembly in a vehicle is reduced. The symmetrical designs of the first member (400) and the second member (300) permit same parts to be used on both left hand side doors (802) and right hand side doors (802) of a vehicle, deeming the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) in accordance with the present disclosure easily adaptable. Consequently, owing to a communized and universal design of the vehicle door hinge assembly, there is a reduction in the complexity in manufacturing and assembly.
[000112] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[000113] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[000114] The disclosed claimed limitations in the prior arts and the present subject matter in accordance with the present disclosure herein provides an improved communized vehicle door hinge assembly (100) with universal adaptability in variant vehicle designs which reduces the assembly time and manufacturing time and additionally reduces the total component count as well as the cost associated with the component, manufacturing and the assembly as well.
[000115] Further, the claimed configuration of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) achieves improved packaging efficiency and ease of implementation in a compact vehicle layout.
[000116] Thus, the disclosed invention tries to overcome to technical problem of manufacturing variants of vehicle door hinge assembly depending on factors such as the vehicle body design, vehicle door design, left hand side of the vehicle and the right hand side of the vehicle
[000117] Thus, the claimed limitations overcome the aforementioned technical problems by providing a vehicle door hinge assembly (100) comprising of a first member (400), a second member (300) and a pivoting unit (108). The first member (400) of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) is designed to be symmetric about a YZ plane while the second member (300) of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) is designed to be symmetric about a XY plane. The symmetric design of the first member (400) and the second member (300) of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) with a pivoting unit (108) connecting them assures the applicability of the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) on a left hand side as well as a right hand side of the vehicle.
[000118] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.
[000119] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[000120] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[000121] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
List of Reference Signs:

100 – vehicle door hinge assembly
101 – A First portion
102 – A first pivoting portion
103 – A hinge stop
104 – A first set of mounting provisions
105 – A second portion
106 – A second pivoting portion
107 – A second set of mounting provisions
108 – a pivoting unit
109 – the rectangular metallic portion
300 – a second member
400 – a first member
301 – A second set of pivoting provisions
302 – A connecting portion
402 – A first set of pivoting provisions
502 – spacer
503 – Lift off bolt
702 – bushing for hinge pivot
704 – spacer
802 – vehicle door
805 – first fastener
902 – Vehicle body
905 – second fastener

 
, Claims:We claim,
1. A vehicle door hinge assembly (100), the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) comprising:
a first member (400), the first member (400) being configured to interface with an inner surface of a door panel of a vehicle, wherein the first member (400) comprises a first set of mounting provisions (104) configured to mount the first member (400) to the inner surface of the door panel, and
wherein the first member comprises a first pivoting portion (102) with a first set of pivoting provisions (402) configured to receive a pivoting unit (108); and
a second member (300), the second member (300) being configured to interface with an external surface of a body panel of the vehicle, wherein the second member (300) comprises one or more second set of mounting provisions (107) configured to mount the second member (300) to the external surface of the body panel,
wherein the second member (300) comprises a second pivoting portion (106) with a second set of pivoting provisions (301) configured to receive the pivoting unit (108),
wherein the pivoting unit (108) being configured to connect the first member (400) to the second member (300) and provide rotational movement of the first member (400) about a pivot axis of the pivoting unit (108),
wherein the first set of pivoting provisions (402), the second set of pivoting provisions (301) and the pivot axis being axially (ZZ') aligned, and
wherein the first member (400) being symmetrical about a YZ plane such that the first set of pivoting provisions (402) being configured to axially align with the pivot axis under varying positions of the first member (400).

2. The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second member (300) being symmetric about a XY plane such that the second set of pivoting provisions (301) being configured to axially align with the pivot axis under varying positions of the second member (300).

3. The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (400) comprises:

a first portion (101) comprising the first set of mounting provisions (104);
the first pivoting portion (102) comprising the first set of pivoting provisions (402) wherein the first pivoting portion (102) extending perpendicularly from a bottom portion of the first portion (101) in a YY’ direction,
wherein a top surface of the first pivoting portion (102) receives the pivoting unit (108); and
a hinge stop (103), the hinge stop (103) being a protrusion extending from the first pivoting portion (102) in the YY’ direction configured to set a limit to the rotation of the first member (400).

4. The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first portion (101) being disposed in a XZ plane.

5. The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second member (300) comprises:

a second portion (105) comprising the second set of mounting provisions (107);
a connecting portion (302), the connecting portion extending from the second portion (105);
a rectangular metallic portion (109), the rectangular metallic portion (109) disposed perpendicular to the second portion (105) and being integrated with the second portion (105) through the connecting portion (302); and
the second pivoting portion (106) comprising the second set of pivoting provisions (302), wherein the second pivoting portion (106) being cylindrical.

6. The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the connecting portion (302) comprising:
a first surface along an axis (AA’) being connected to the second portion (105); and
a second surface along an axis (BB’) being connected to the rectangular metallic portion (109),
wherein the connecting portion (302) being provided with a bend of a pre-defined radius of curvature between the first surface (AA’) and the second surface (BB’)

7. The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pre-defined radius of curvature being configured to be such that an imaginary line projecting along a length of the second portion (105) and an imaginary line projecting along a length of the rectangular metallic portion (109) is at an angle α.

8. The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rectangular metallic portion (109) comprising:

a first surface extending from the connecting portion (302) in a XX’ direction; and
a second surface with a tapering portion connecting to the second pivoting portion (106).

9. The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second pivoting portion (106) comprises:
a top surface configured to interface with a bottom surface of the first pivoting portion (102); and
a bottom surface configured to interface with a top surface of a lock (503) of the pivoting unit (108),
wherein the lock (503) being configured to limit movement of the pivoting unit (108) in the axial direction (ZZ’).

10. The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) being assembled by holding the first pivoting portion (102) over the second pivoting portion (106) with the first pivoting portion (102) axially aligned with the second pivoting portion (106); and passing the pivoting unit (108) through the first set of pivoting provisions (402) and the second set of pivoting provisions (301).

11. The vehicle door hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle door hinge assembly (100) being composed of a material being at least one of stainless steel, reinforced silicon, nickel, zinc, iron, lead or a combination thereof.