Dual-Axis Locking Hinge for Obstacle Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locking hinges for access flaps in means of transport, particularly those with horizontally arranged hinge axes, face challenges in securing the open position without using expensive and wear-prone gas pressure springs and in navigating around interior obstacles due to limited rotation paths.

Innovation Solution

A detent hinge with two parallel axes of rotation and spring-loaded blocking devices that allow the door leaf to be locked in specific angular positions, preventing collisions with neighboring components and eliminating the need for additional securing mechanisms like gas pressure springs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gas pressure springs are used to secure the open position, then the access flap can be blocked in the open position, but the device becomes expensive, wear-prone, and requires additional space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking capability in open positionVSAvoidadditional components and space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blocking function with the hinge structure itself by integrating a blocking bolt and recess mechanism directly into the hinge body and door fitting. This merging eliminates the need for separate gas pressure springs while maintaining the ability to secure the access flap in the open position, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while preserving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge structure provides its own blocking capability through the integrated blocking bolt and recess mechanism. The blocking function is self-contained within the hinge assembly, eliminating dependence on external components like gas pressure springs. This self-service approach reduces both device complexity and maintenance requirements while ensuring reliable positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional single-axis hinge is used, then the structure is simple, but the access flap cannot navigate around interior obstacles due to limited rotation path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation path flexibilityVSAvoidhinge structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-axis rotation to a dual-axis rotation system. The first axis enables rotation in the primary opening direction, while the second axis provides an additional degree of freedom to adjust the rotation path. This dimensional change allows the access flap to navigate around interior obstacles by combining rotations about both axes, achieving the required adaptability without excessive structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge structure incorporates dynamic capabilities through the second axis of rotation, allowing the system to adapt its movement path in response to spatial constraints. The blocking mechanism also provides dynamic positioning at specific angular locations. This dynamic behavior enables the access flap to follow optimized trajectories that avoid obstacles while maintaining a relatively simple overall hinge structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the access flap is designed with limited rotation, then interior obstacles are avoided, but the flap cannot be securely blocked in the open position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision with obstaclesVSAvoidblocking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By introducing a second axis of rotation, the system can achieve both collision avoidance and secure blocking. The dual-axis mechanism allows the access flap to follow a modified rotation path that clears obstacles while still reaching positions where the blocking bolt can engage with the recess, thereby simultaneously eliminating harmful collisions and ensuring reliable blocking capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation movement is segmented into two independent components: rotation about the first axis and rotation about the second axis. This segmentation allows the system to first rotate about the primary axis to approach the open position, then use the second axis to adjust the final positioning and avoid obstacles. The blocking mechanism operates at specific angular positions achieved through this segmented motion, ensuring both collision avoidance and secure blocking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3510220B1Locking hinge
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 SIEMENS MOBILITY AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP3510220B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3510220B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3510220B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a positioning hinge (1), comprising an inner hinge part (2), which can be fastened to a stationary component, and a door fitting (3), which can be fastened to a door leaf, wherein a hinge body (4) is provided, which is connected for pivoting about a first axis of rotation (5) relative to the inner hinge part (2), and the door fitting (3) is connected for pivoting about a second axis of rotation (6) relative to the hinge body (4), wherein the axes of rotation (5, 6) are arranged parallel to each other, and wherein a first locking device (7) is designed to block the pivoting motion of the hinge body (4) relative to the inner hinge part (2) at a certain angular position and wherein a second locking device (8) is designed to block the pivoting motion of the door fitting (3) relative to the hinge body (4) at second angular positions.