Articulating Prop With Protrusion Groove Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle panel props are often heavy, complex, prone to wear, and costly to produce in low quantities, failing to meet the needs for lightweight, intuitive, and cost-effective solutions, especially for vehicles requiring lightweight designs and low-volume production.

Innovation Solution

An articulating prop system with two members sharing an axis of rotation, utilizing a protrusion and groove mechanism to lock in position, and optionally incorporating a latch for enhanced locking, allowing for intuitive operation and reduced complexity in design and manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional casting or forging methods are used to manufacture props, then structural integrity and reliability are improved, but initial tooling costs and manufacturing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidinitial tooling costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The prop is divided into multiple segments that can be manufactured separately using simpler, lower-cost processes, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be produced with less expensive tooling while maintaining overall structural integrity through the assembled configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated prop structure that combines support, locking, and articulation functions. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts requiring manufacturing, thereby reducing initial tooling costs while maintaining reliability through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If complex hinge and sliding component systems are used, then propping functionality is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to debris wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropping functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the sliding components and complex hinge mechanisms from the prop system. By removing these problematic elements, the design achieves propping functionality through a simpler articulating mechanism that is less susceptible to debris wear and maintenance issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using sliding components that move parallel to each other (prone to debris accumulation), the invention uses an articulating mechanism where members rotate about a shared axis. This inverted approach to achieving movement and positioning eliminates the small spaces where debris would normally accumulate and cause wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If long rod props are used, then structural support is improved, but weight and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidprop weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The prop transitions from a static long rod to a dynamic articulating mechanism with multiple members that can rotate and articulate. This dynamic configuration provides the necessary structural support through mechanical advantage and geometric arrangement while using less material, thereby reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The articulating members are designed to nest or fold together when not in use, allowing the prop to occupy minimal storage space. The nested configuration maintains structural integrity when deployed while dramatically reducing the space and weight requirements compared to a full-length rigid rod.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The articulating prop system provides a lightweight, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution for propping vehicle panels, reducing the need for complex systems and high initial tooling costs, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use across varying production volumes.

Implementation Method 1

a propping apparatus is provided that allows the two members to lock in position relative to one another. In one embodiment, the articulating prop utilizes a protrusion mating with a groove to lock members in position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

In another embodiment, a latch is added to the first embodiment to further lock members in position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS9970223B2Articulating prop

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 VANDERHALL MOTOR WORKS INC

AI summary

An articulating prop to prop panels in an open position is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prop includes a protrusion that rests in a groove to lock members of the articulating prop in position. An external force causes the articulating prop members to rotate into a locked position. In another embodiment, an additional latch is disclosed which further locks the articulating prop in a locked position. An external force causes the articulating prop member to rotate out of a locked position. Shapes and interfaces of handles of the articulating prop are disclosed. Openings and pivotal axes of members of the articulating prop are also disclosed herein.