Flush Glass Locking Mechanism for RVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flush glass apparatus for large passenger vehicles, such as RVs and SUVs, is difficult to open and close due to the need for vertical movement of multiple operation handles to unlock restoration springs, and the operation handles are not restored when the glass is opened or closed, affecting ease of use and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A flush glass apparatus with a locking device featuring a rotatable operation handle, upper and lower lifting members with cam grooves and protrusions, and springs that allow for easy opening and closing of the operation glass, while maintaining a seamless appearance by restoring the operation handle to its original state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operation handles are moved vertically to unlock restoration springs, then the locking device can secure the operation glass, but it becomes difficult to open and close the operation glass
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into multiple independent locking pins (upper locking pin, lower locking pin) that can be controlled separately. Each locking pin is actuated by its own cam groove and spring mechanism, allowing independent engagement and disengagement. This segmentation enables the glass to remain securely locked during normal operation while allowing easy opening when the operation handle is actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pins are designed to be dynamically controllable - they can transition between locked and unlocked states. The cam grooves provide dynamic control by converting rotational motion of the operation handle into linear motion of the locking pins. The restoration springs provide dynamic restoration force to return locking pins to their locked position after opening, enabling easy cyclic operation.
2Reliability
If multiple operation handles are used for unlocking, then the locking mechanism can be secured, but the operation handles are not restored during opening, affecting appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The restoration springs are configured to automatically restore the operation handle to its original position after opening. When the operation handle is rotated to unlock and open the glass, the restoration spring stores energy and then automatically returns the handle to its initial closed position state, eliminating the need for manual resetting and maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation handle undergoes periodic cyclic motion - rotating to open, then automatically returning to closed position. The restoration spring enables this periodic action by providing the restoring force that returns the handle to its starting position, creating a complete operational cycle that maintains both functionality and appearance.
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
Enables easy operation and stable locking of the operation glass, providing a beautiful appearance by allowing the operation handle to return to its original state, and ensuring the operation glass can be easily opened and closed with a simple rotation of the handle.
Implementation Method 1
an operation handle installed on the frame to be rotated left and right and configured to be restored to its original state by a restoration spring
Implementation Method 2
an upper spring configured to move the upper lifting member by pressing upward
Implementation Method 3
a lower spring configured to move the lower lifting member by pressing downward
Implementation Method 4
an upper cam groove and an upper locking pin protruding above the frame, an upper operation shaft having a lower side connected to the operation handle and an upper side entering the upper cam groove and including an upper protrusion extending radially in the upper cam groove
Data Source
AI summary
A flush glass apparatus includes an operation glass including a glass portion and a frame, and a locking device including an operation handle installed on the frame, an upper lifting member installed on an upper side of the frame and including an upper cam groove and an upper locking pin, an upper operation shaft having a lower side connected to the operation handle and an upper side entering the upper cam groove and including an upper protrusion, an upper spring, a lower lifting member installed on a lower side of the frame and including a lower cam groove and a lower locking pin protruding to the lower side of the frame, a lower operation shaft having an upper side connected to the operation handle and a lower side entering the lower cam groove and including a lower protrusion, and a lower spring.