Removable Battery Cover Hinge With Stress-Release Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board electrical power supply systems for vehicles, such as bicycles and scooters, face issues with cover damage during mechanical stress and inadequate sealing, leading to potential water intrusion and security concerns when recharging the battery.
Innovation Solution
A disengageable hinge mechanism with retaining stop means and elastic return mechanisms ensures the cover remains secure and prevents damage during mechanical stress, while maintaining a tight seal in the closed position, allowing for easy re-engagement after stress has ceased.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the hood is made elongated to provide adequate coverage and protection, then the protective function is improved, but the hinge becomes more susceptible to damage due to increased lever arm length and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a shock-absorbing element between the hood and hinge that activates only when excessive force is applied. This element deforms to absorb impact energy during abnormal events (such as the hood being used as a lever), preventing the force from reaching the hinge. During normal operation, this element remains inactive, providing full protection while maintaining hinge durability.
2Reliability
If the hood is permanently fixed to ensure secure closure and prevent water intrusion, then the sealing function is improved, but the ease of operation for opening and closing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection between the hood and receiving compartment changeable rather than fixed. The hood can be in a locked closed position for secure sealing, or an open position for easy access. This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between reliability (when closed and locked) and ease of operation (when open), resolving the contradiction between permanent fixation and operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If the hood is made independent of the power supply unit and permanently attached to the vehicle, then the security function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hood system into distinct functional components: the hood itself, the hinge mechanism, and the shock-absorbing element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the hood for security coverage, the hinge for controlled movement, and the shock-absorbing element for protection. By separating these functions, the overall device complexity is managed while achieving the desired security improvement.
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 solution effectively prevents hinge damage and ensures the receiving compartment remains sealed and secure, facilitating easy handling of the power supply unit during recharging without user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic return means engaged between the cover and the hinge arm, which urges the cover in translation towards the first end of the hinge arm
Implementation Method 2
Elastic retaining means 14d are engaged between the cover 5 and the hinge arm 12, and urge the cover 5 in translation towards the second end 12b of the hinge arm, so as to press the cover 5 against a periphery of the opening 4
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In a vehicle having a receiving compartment (3) with an opening (4) for receiving and containing a removable power supply unit, and a cover (5) for closing the opening, articulated by a hinge (6) comprising a fixed hinge part (9) integral with the vehicle and a movable hinge part (10) rotatably mounted about an axis (9a) of the fixed hinge part, the following are provided: - a hinge arm (12), integral with the movable hinge part, - a longitudinal groove (13) on an inner face of the cover for receiving said hinge arm, - a retractable distal stop (15), for selectively assuming a retained state in which it retains in said longitudinal groove a second end (12b) of the hinge arm,and a release state in which it releases the second end of the hinge arm from the longitudinal groove when at least one mechanical stress forcing the hood away from the moving part of the hinge exceeds a predetermined trigger threshold; - a proximal stop (14) to retain the first end (12a) of the hinge arm in said longitudinal groove when the distal stop is in the retained state, and to oppose the hood moving away from the moving part of the hinge beyond a predetermined spreading stroke and to allow limited oscillation of the hood from the moving part of the hinge when the distal stop is in the release state.