Elevation Adjustment Device With Indexed Pin And Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for adjusting the elevation of vehicle components, such as hood or trunk doors, do not allow for simple adjustment after being placed in a locking position, limiting the ability to precisely position the sash in the closed position.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a cylindrical shaft with an internal thread and a pin with an external thread, allowing rotational movement to adjust the elevation, featuring a latch mechanism with notches and flexible tabs to index the movement, and a padlock to secure the position, enabling precise and adjustable elevation adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the device uses a threading mechanism for elevation adjustment, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because multiple rotations are required for small adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous rotational adjustment is segmented into discrete indexed positions using notches on the pin and corresponding detents on the latch. This segmentation allows precise quarter-turn adjustments while maintaining ease of operation through tactile feedback and defined stopping positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism uses periodic indexing through notches and detents, creating regular discrete adjustment steps. This periodic structure enables precise control at specific intervals while simplifying operation through repeatable quarter-turn actions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device allows continuous adjustment movement, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability deteriorates because the position cannot be securely locked
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is preliminarily positioned to engage with notches on the pin before final locking occurs. This preliminary engagement prepares the system for secure locking by pre-aligning the locking components, ensuring stable position fixation while maintaining adjustment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch acts as an intermediary between the adjustable pin and the fixed body, mediating the transition from movable to locked state. This intermediary component enables both continuous adjustment and stable locking by engaging with notches at different positions.
3Ease of operation
If the device includes indexing notches and latch mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved through quarter-turn adjustments, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing function and locking function are merged into a single integrated mechanism where the latch both indexes the pin position and secures it simultaneously. This merging reduces overall complexity by eliminating separate indexing and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism serves multiple functions: it indexes the pin to predetermined positions, secures the pin in place, and provides tactile feedback for the operator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device.
4Reliability
If the device uses a secure locking mechanism with padlock, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional locking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring force, automatically engaging with notches when the pin is rotated to indexed positions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention for each indexing step, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 and precise adjustment of the elevation by quarter turns, with each rotation corresponding to a specific elevation change, and securely blocks the position to prevent unwanted movement, ensuring accurate positioning of vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
a body intended to be secured to a support, the body comprising a cylindrical shaft provided with an internal thread; a pin having on a section of its length an external thread... The pin and the body are assembled together via their respective threads and the pin can, when rotated, move along a longitudinal axis to adjust the elevation of its first end
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for adjusting the elevation of a part (8), the device comprising a body (2) intended to be fixed to a support and comprising a cylindrical shaft having an internal thread, a pin (7) having an external thread along a section of its length, and a first end (7c) for supporting the part (8). The pin (7) and the body (2) are joined to each other by means of their respective threads, and the pin (7), when rotated, can move along a longitudinal axis to adjust the elevation of its first end. The body (2) comprises a head (3) having a lateral window (5), and the pin (7) comprises, along a section of its length, peripheral notches (7b) arranged opposite the lateral window (5) of the body (2).The adjustment device also includes a lock (6) placed in the side window (5) of the body (2), the lock cooperating with the notches (7b) of the pin (7) to index its movement.