Door Prop Assembly Rotating Lock Arm Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door prop systems for tilting vehicles, such as trailers and dump trucks, lack a safe and efficient mechanism to transition the rear gate between open and closed configurations, often relying on tension rods which can be hazardous and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A door prop assembly comprising a prop arm assembly, a lock bar assembly, and a rotating lock arm that allows the rear gate to be safely propped open and transitioned to a closed configuration by sliding through a lock bar mechanism, utilizing a distal mount assembly and locking hook hinge for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tension rod system is used to support the rear gate, then the gate can be held in an open position, but the system becomes hazardous and inconvenient to operate
Solution Approach 1:
A rotating lock arm serves as an intermediary component between the prop arm assembly and the lock bar. This lock arm rotates freely on a locking hook hinge and can slide through the lock bar to engage with locking hooks, providing a safe and controlled mechanism for holding the gate open without the hazards of traditional tension rod systems
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm is designed to rotate freely on the locking hook hinge, allowing dynamic adjustment and smooth transitions between locked and unlocked positions. This rotational freedom enables the system to adapt to different gate positions while maintaining safety and ease of operation
2Device complexity
If a traditional door prop system is used, then the structure is simple, but it lacks a safe mechanism to transition between open and closed configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The door prop assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a prop arm assembly with a substantially straight element, a lock bar assembly with locking hooks, a rotating lock arm, and a distal mount assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function safely and efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating lock arm automatically engages with the locking hooks through its rotational motion on the locking hook hinge. The system is self-servicing in that the mechanical design itself provides the safety function through the natural rotation and engagement of components, without requiring additional safety mechanisms or complex control systems
3Ease of operation
If the rear gate is rotated further to pass the rotating lock arm through the lock bar, then the gate transitions to closed configuration, but the operation requires precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with a simpler rotational engagement system. The rotating lock arm simply needs to rotate on its hinge and slide through the lock bar, engaging with locking hooks through pure rotational motion. This substitution of a complex control system with a simple rotational mechanism achieves smooth operation without requiring precise control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A door prop assembly for selectively supporting a rear gate of a tilting vehicle. Said door prop assembly is configured to selectively prop said rear gate in an open configuration and safely release said rear gate to transition to a closed configuration. Said door prop assembly comprises a prop arm assembly, a lock bar assembly, a distal mount assembly, and a rotating lock arm. Said distal mount assembly is attached to a side portion of said rear gate. Said lock bar assembly is attached to a side portion of a tilting body. Said prop arm assembly comprises a substantially straight element being adapted to slide through portions of a lock bar of said lock bar assembly. Said rotating lock arm is configured to rotate freely on a locking hook hinge. A side plates at a distal hinge is configured to rotate freely relative to said distal mount assembly.