US 5,346,272 A · Door hinge with infinitely adjustable detent

Abstract

A method and apparatus of selectively applying a holding force to a vehicle door hinge, comprises the steps of (i) determining when a vehicle door is open and, when the vehicle door is open, thereafter (ii) sensing door movement to determine if the door has remained substantially stationary in an open position for a predetermined time period, (iii) if the door has remained stationary in an open position for a predetermined time period, activating a braking mechanism to provide a holding force for the door, (iv) if the braking mechanism is activated, determining if the door has moved a predetermined distance since activating the braking mechanism, (v) if the door has moved a predetermined distance since activating the braking mechanism, deactivating the braking mechanism, (vi) sensing whether the door is closed, and (vii) if the door is closed, deactivating the braking mechanism.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A vehicle comprising:

a vehicle body;
a hinge mounted to the vehicle body;
a vehicle door hung on the hinge and pivotable with respect to the vehicle body, allowing the door to open and closed;
means for mechanically coupling the vehicle door hinge to an electric braking mechanism
first sensing means for determining whether the vehicle door has been in a stationary position for a predetermined amount of time;
means for activating the electric braking mechanism when the first sensing means determines that the vehicle door has been in the stationary position for the predetermined amount of time, thereby providing a holding force to the vehicle door in the stationary position.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Door hinge with infinitely adjustable detent

Life of this patent

Door hinge with infinitely adjustable detent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9