Search Results

Vehicle door closure systems often include self-balancing double pendulum mechanisms. For example, the counterweight in the outside handle assembly is used to reduce handle motion under inertia loadings occurring during crash events. The system is configured in such a way that the inertia forces developed during a crash are applying opposite moments to each of the pendulums (i.e., to the handle and the counterweight). Investigation of crash impact induced oscillatory response of such mechanisms is presented in this paper. A comprehensive dynamic model is developed that captures all essential characteristics of the double pendulum mechanism. An important aspect of the model is its discontinuous nature due to potential impacts between both pendulums and between one of the pendulums and the base part. Analytical conditions of self-balancing of the double pendulum system are formulated and used to provide an insight into the principles of self balancing.