Folding Support for Lorry Guards with Deformable Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding supports for lorry guards require excessive force to open due to sheet tension, are prone to cracking under stress and extreme temperatures, and can be damaged by asymmetrical loading, especially when made from injection-moulded plastic with thin hinges.
Innovation Solution
A folding support design featuring two rigid plate parts connected by a bent or twisted deformable middle part that absorbs tensile forces and allows for manufacturing without weak, thin zones, enabling easier folding and reduced initial opening force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If folding supports are made with thin hinge zones to enable folding, then the folding support can be made thinner and easier to manufacture, but the thin zones become liable to cracks under stress and extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the hinge zone by introducing a rounded corner radius (R1, R2) instead of sharp corners, and specifies thickness variations (e1, e2) that create a gradual transition rather than an abrupt thin zone. This parameter modification maintains manufacturability while eliminating stress concentration points that cause cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure within the single plastic component, combining regions of different thicknesses (thinner hinge zones with rounded corners transitioned from thicker plate regions) to achieve both flexibility for folding and strength to prevent cracking. The injected plastic material forms this composite thickness profile in a single manufacturing process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sheet is pulled taut when the guard is closed, then the guard structure is stable, but excessive force is required to open the guard as additional tension must be overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements through the deformable folding supports that can flex and deform during the opening transition. The rounded corner hinge zones allow the folding support to gradually change shape, absorbing the tension force dynamically rather than requiring sudden overcoming of static tension, thus reducing the peak opening force required.
Solution Approach 2:
The rounded corner design with increased thickness at hinge zones (e1, e2) acts as a cushioning element prepared in advance. These pre-designed thicker regions absorb and distribute the tensile forces that occur during opening, preventing force concentration and reducing the overall force needed to initiate and complete the opening motion.
3Strength
If folding supports are stretched just before the sheet is entirely closed, then the folding support connects the cross girders, but the folding support undergoes sudden increase in tensile force that may damage the connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters at the connection points by introducing rounded corners with specific radii (R1, R2) and varying thickness (e1, e2) in the hinge zones. These parameter changes create a gradual stress distribution pattern that prevents sudden force spikes, allowing the connection to withstand the tensile forces encountered during closing without damage.
4Ease of operation
If a large initial force is applied to open the guard, then the sheet can be opened from closed position, but the folding support may be damaged by asymmetrical pushing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces symmetric parameter variations at the hinge zones (rounded corners with radii R1, R2 and thickness e1, e2) that create balanced stress distribution. This symmetric design ensures that when force is applied to open the guard, the load is evenly distributed across both sides of the folding support, preventing asymmetrical deformation or damage even under high initial forces.
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 solution reduces the required opening force, minimizes damage from asymmetrical loading, and enhances durability by distributing tensile forces through the deformable middle part, preventing cracks and allowing for less precise manufacturing with cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
a bent or twisted, deformable middle part 17 which functions as a folding zone of the folding support 1, as represented in greater detail in figure 2... the bending or twisting of which, when the guard is in its closed state, makes it possible to manufacture the sheet 5 with less precision
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Improved folding support (1) for guards (2) with a sheet (5) of lorries or the like, whereby the folding support (1) comprises two rigid plate parts (15,16) which are connected to each other with their neighbouring ends by means of a bent or twisted deformable middle part (17) which functions as a folding zone of the folding support (1).