Vehicle Load Carrier Hinge for Tight Closure and Side Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load carriers with a lid and base connected by a hinge are typically openable from one side, limiting flexibility and aerodynamic efficiency when mounted on a vehicle roof.
Innovation Solution
A load carrier design featuring a hinge with a first connection member pivotably connected to the base or lid, and a second connection member connected to the other part at the second proximal end and the first distal end, allowing the lid to open by increasing the distance between the first and second proximal ends, thereby reducing the gap between the lid and base for improved aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid and base are connected by a conventional hinge, then the load carrier can be opened from one side, but the gap between lid and base when closed is large, reducing aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing the distance between connection points to change during opening/closing operations. The hinge enables the lid to rotate while maintaining a tight seal when closed, and provides sufficient clearance when open for loading/unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is divided into multiple components including a first connection member with proximal and distal ends, a pivot axle, and a lock member. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function while achieving the overall goal of tight closure and easy opening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge is designed to allow multi-sided opening, then user flexibility is improved, but the hinge structure becomes more complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides pivotable connection for opening, releasable locking for secure closure, and enables opening from multiple sides. The same basic hinge structure can be configured to open from left, right, or both sides depending on installation orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member is designed to be manually operable without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The user can easily engage and disengage the lock by simple manual manipulation, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding unnecessary complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid and base are tightly fitted when closed, then aerodynamic properties are improved, but the hinge must accommodate larger distance changes during opening
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection length is designed to be dynamic, changing from a minimal distance when closed (for tight fit) to a larger distance when open (for accessibility). The pivotable connection naturally accommodates this length variation through rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between the first proximal end and second proximal end of the hinge connection members changes as a parameter during operation. When closed, the distance is minimized for aerodynamic efficiency; when open, the distance increases to allow user access. The hinge mechanism naturally manages this parameter change.
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
The design provides a tighter fit between the lid and base when closed, significantly reducing or eliminating gaps, which enhances aerodynamic properties and allows for easy multi-sided opening without cumbersome designs.
Implementation Method 1
the first connection member being configured to be pivotably connected to the base or the lid at the first proximal end, by a first pivotable connection, with respect to a pivot axle being substantially parallel to the at least one edge
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a load carrier for a vehicle having a lid and a base connected along at least one edge by at least one hinge. The at least one hinge includes a first connection member and a second connection member. The first connection member is configured to be pivotably connected to the base or lid at a first proximal end, by a first pivotable connection, and the hinge is releasably connected to the base or lid via the first pivotable connection by a lock member. The second connection member is connected to the other one of the base or lid at a second proximal end. The hinge is configured such that when the lid is opened by pivoting the first connection member with respect to the pivot axle, a distance between the first proximal end and the second proximal end increases.