Hinge Pin with Recessed Frame Flange for Commercial Vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge pins for commercial vehicle bodies are permanently connected to the outer frame, preventing easy installation or retrofitting, especially after the frame has been painted, and require complex constructions for customs security.

Innovation Solution

A hinge pin design featuring a bolt part with a frame flange that includes an extension with a recess for engaging the outer frame, allowing for secure attachment using a connecting element like a screw or rivet, and a mechanism that blocks tilting to prevent removal, ensuring customs security without welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the hinge pin is permanently connected to the outer frame by welding, then customs security is guaranteed, but the hinge pin cannot be installed later or retrofitted after the outer frame has been painted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustoms securityVSAvoidinstallability after painting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge pin is divided into separate components: the pin body with frame flange and the outer frame, connected by a removable connecting element rather than permanent welding. This allows the hinge pin to be installed after the outer frame is painted while still providing secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recess is pre-formed in the outer frame at the correct position and orientation, allowing the frame flange to be aligned and connected without requiring subsequent adjustments or modifications after painting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the hinge pin is made with a complex bearing part construction, then customs security is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustoms securityVSAvoidbearing part construction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The customs security function is extracted from the complex bearing part construction and implemented through the simple geometric configuration of the recess and frame flange, which mechanically prevent unauthorized removal without requiring complex components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex bearing parts to achieve customs security, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple recess geometry that actively prevents removal attempts, making the security function inherent in the basic structure rather than added through complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the hinge pin uses a screw connection for assembly, then easy assembly and disassembly is achieved, but the risk of unauthorized loosening increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidanti-loosening security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame flange is nested within the recess of the outer frame, creating a geometric interlock that prevents unauthorized loosening or removal. The connecting element secures this nested configuration, combining easy assembly with reliable anti-loosening protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2103482B1Hinge pin for a commercial vehicle structure, hinge and commercial vehicle with such a hinge pin
Publication Date: 2011.03.02 KOEGEL TRAILER GMBH
  • EP2103482B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2103482B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2103482B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The pin has a pin part (10) connected with a frame flange (20) whose internal surface (22) is attached to an external frame in an assembled condition of the pin. An extension (23) is arranged at the internal surface of the flange and has a free end (24). A recess (25) is formed between the free end and the internal surface. The recess is adapted such that the external frame engages the recess in the assembled condition. An unit is attached to the extension and is an opening of a connecting element for connecting the frame flange with the external frame. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a hinge comprising a retaining part (2) a commercial vehicle comprising an external frame.