How to design and validate an automotive hinge?
I need some procedures on designing an automotive hinge assembly and validate the results of my design with failure analysis. Can anybody throw some light on any data book available for hinges or give some procedure as how to start a design from scratch taking all the forces and pressures into consideration? First I need to design and validate theoretically and then will go for modelling and analysis in software. Will be really thankful to you guys.
2 Answers
Resolving the forces on the door clockwise around point A:
Weight of Door x D - Upper Hinge H Force x B - Lower Hinge H Force x C = 0
Resolving the forces on the door Horizontally:
Lower Hinge H Force = Upper Hinge H Force
Resolving the forces on the door Vertically:
Lower Hinge V Force + Upper Hinge V Force = Weight of Door
The upper hinge pulls on the door. There is an equal and opposite reaction to this force in that the door pulls on the upper hinge.
The lower hinge pushes on the door. There is an equal and opposite reaction to this force in that the door pushes on the lower hinge.
The hinges hold the door up. The door pulls the hinges down. The vertical forces taken by the hinges may not be evenly distributed (the entire weight of the door may be taken by one hinge only).
I wouldn't bother with the theory stage. I'd make a guess at what it should be and model it. The analysis will tell you if you've made a good guess. Change the design in the light of the results and analyse again.
