Locking Hinge Assembly for Transportable Load Platform

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load carrying platforms face damage and maintenance challenges due to the vulnerability of shoot bolt locking mechanisms for end walls during rough handling and stormy weather conditions, leading to increased labor and material costs.

Innovation Solution

A hinge assembly with a pivot mounting and pivot arm, featuring a cooperating lock mechanism with a rotatable male and female element, providing enhanced resistance to impact and allowing for secure locking of the end walls in both operative and inoperative positions, enabling easy adjustment and stacking of platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If shoot bolts are mounted close above the pivots to enable end wall pivoting, then the platform can be folded for stacking, but the locking mechanism becomes vulnerable to impact damage during rough handling and stormy weather

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend wall pivoting and foldingVSAvoidlocking mechanism durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock means are positioned at the outer edges of the mounting and arm, utilizing the peripheral dimension rather than placing bolts close to the pivot axis. This spatial repositioning creates a more robust locking configuration that is less susceptible to impact forces while maintaining the pivoting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking system combines a male element with a female element in a composite locking arrangement. The male element can rotate within the female element, creating a multi-component locking mechanism that provides enhanced durability and resistance to impact compared to simple shoot bolts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If shoot bolts are used for locking end walls, then the structure is simple, but regular inspection and maintenance are required due to vulnerability to impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism structureVSAvoidmaintenance frequency and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system combines a male element with a female element in a composite locking arrangement. The male element can rotate within the female element, creating a multi-component locking mechanism that provides enhanced durability and resistance to impact compared to simple shoot bolts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates a protective female element that cushions and absorbs impact forces before they can damage the locking mechanism. This preemptive protection reduces the frequency and cost of maintenance by preventing impact-related failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If end walls are locked in operative positions with shoot bolts, then the platform is ready for transport, but the locking mechanism fails under impact from rough handling or stormy weather

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport readinessVSAvoidimpact damage from rough handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lock means are positioned at the outer edges of the mounting and arm, utilizing the peripheral dimension rather than placing bolts close to the pivot axis. This spatial repositioning creates a more robust locking configuration that is less susceptible to impact forces while maintaining the pivoting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates a protective female element that cushions and absorbs impact forces before they can damage the locking mechanism. This preemptive protection reduces the frequency and cost of maintenance by preventing impact-related failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9169682B2Locking hinge assembly

Publication Date: 2015.10.27 BESTLOC INT TRADING CO LTD

AI summary

A hinge assembly for a transportable load carrying platform having a pivot mounting for attachment to a base frame and pivot arm for attachment to an end wall. Cooperative lock means are provided on the pivot mounting and pivot arm and configured to engage one another when the arm is pivoted towards the mounting. Once locked in position, the pivot arm and mounting cannot be pivotally separated.