Flush Glass Locking Pin Mechanism for Easy Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing flush glass apparatus for large passenger vehicles is difficult to open and close due to the need to move multiple operation handles vertically, and it lacks a user-friendly mechanism for removal and maintenance, resulting in a complex and aesthetically unappealing design.

Innovation Solution

The flush glass apparatus incorporates an upper and lower locking pin system with guide grooves and removal guide members, along with a rotating operation handle and cam mechanisms, allowing for easy opening and closing of the operation glass and facilitating its removal by deviating the locking pins from their grooves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple operation handles are used to unlock restoration springs, then the locking device can secure the operation glass, but it becomes difficult to open and close the operation glass

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidoperation glass opening/closing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking pin that simultaneously engages with both the upper and lower guide grooves. This single locking pin replaces the need for multiple separate operation handles, maintaining secure locking while enabling easy operation through one unified control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking pin serves multiple functions: it locks the operation glass in the closed position by engaging the guide grooves, it can be easily operated to unlock, and it works together with the restoration spring to automatically return to the locked position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate handles for each locking point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple operation handles are installed on the frame, then the locking pins can be controlled, but the appearance becomes unattractive and the structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking controlVSAvoidnumber of operation handles
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple operation handles into a single locking pin mechanism. The locking pin is controlled through one unified operation point, reducing the number of visible components and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable locking control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary operation handles from the design, keeping only the essential locking pin and its control mechanism. This removal of redundant components simplifies the device structure and improves aesthetic appearance while preserving the core locking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of repair

If the operation glass is separated from the fixed glass, then maintenance can be performed, but a part of the rail needs to be removed making removal difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation glass maintenanceVSAvoidremoval process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the locking mechanism into removable guide groove members that can be independently detached from the rail. This segmentation allows the operation glass to be removed by simply detaching these modular components rather than removing the entire rail structure, simplifying the maintenance process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide groove members are designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable, transitioning from a fixed permanent structure to a flexible, user-removable component. This dynamic design enables easy removal and reinstallation of the operation glass for maintenance without permanent modifications to the rail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design simplifies the operation of the flush glass apparatus, enabling easy opening and closing, maintaining a seamless appearance, and allows for straightforward removal and maintenance of the operation glass.

Implementation Method 1

restoration springs restoring the locking pins in a locking direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

upper lifting member installed on the upper side of the frame and including an upper cam groove and the upper locking pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 3

the upper and lower removal guide members each may include an inclined guide surface for guiding the removal of the upper or lower locking pins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclined plane: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentUS11660947B2Flush glass apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.05.30 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11660947B2 patent drawing
  • US11660947B2 patent drawing
  • US11660947B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flush glass apparatus includes an operation glass including a glass portion and a frame and configured to open and close an opening of a fixed glass, an upper rail having an upper guide groove configured to slidably support an upper portion of the operation glass, a lower rail having a lower guide groove configured to slidably support a lower portion of the operation glass, a locking device including an upper locking pin and a lower locking pin installed on upper and lower sides of the frame, respectively, to enter the upper and lower guide grooves, respectively, and lock or unlock the operation glass, and upper and lower removal guide members installed on the upper rail and the lower rail, respectively, and configured to guide the upper and lower locking pins to be removed from the upper and lower guide grooves by entering the upper or lower guide grooves.