Door Escape Hinge with Dual Manual Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicle cab doors can become trapped due to the lifting structure stalling, making it difficult for operators to exit, especially when incapacitated, requiring extreme measures like removing attachments or damaging the cab.
Innovation Solution
A door assembly with a hinge member and dual securing devices that allow manual removal from both the exterior and interior of the vehicle, enabling easy access and egress without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lifting structure stalls in a position that prevents the door from pivoting sufficiently, then the door remains securely attached to the cab structure, but the operator becomes trapped inside the cab structure
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into the door itself and the hinge member, which can be separated by removing the securing device. This allows the door to remain securely attached during normal operation while enabling easy separation when emergency egress is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device is extracted as a separate, manually removable component that connects the hinge member to the door. When removed, it allows the hinge member to be detached from the door, providing an emergency escape path without requiring damage to the cab structure.
2Ease of operation
If the operator is incapacitated and unable to operate egress equipment from the interior, then standard egress mechanisms become ineffective, but extreme measures such as removing attachments or damaging the cab structure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device serves multiple functions: it normally secures the door to the cab structure and can also be manually removed from the exterior to enable emergency egress. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate interior and exterior release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing only interior release mechanisms, the invention allows the securing device to be removed from the exterior of the cab structure. This inverted approach enables rescuers or other persons to open the door from outside when the operator is incapacitated.
3Device complexity
If a single securing device is used, then the door assembly is simpler, but the door can only be removed from one side, limiting emergency egress options
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member combines both securing functions (interior and exterior access) into a single integrated component. The first and second securing devices work together with the hinge member to provide both interior and exterior removal capabilities without requiring separate complete hinge assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A door escape includes a hinge member securable to a door pivotably movable between an open position and a closed position relative to an enclosure. A first securing device secures the hinge member to the door. The first securing device is manually removable from the hinge member from exterior of the enclosure, permitting removal of the door from the enclosure. A second securing device secures the hinge member to the door. The second securing device is manually removable from the hinge member from interior of the enclosure, permitting removal of the door from the enclosure.