Modular Hinge Locking System for Industrial Vehicle Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automotive industry faces challenges in providing a cost-effective solution for vehicle hinges that can lock doors in industrial vehicles, as existing hinges are often expensive to stock in various types, and not all applications require locking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular locking system for vehicle hinges featuring a central body with two mobile portions, where one portion is locked to a fixed vehicle part and the other to a door, incorporating a swivel snap hook mechanism that allows for optional locking via an additional component, enabling the hinge to be used in both locked and unlocked configurations without interfering with the hinge's swinging arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of hinges are stocked for applications with and without locking capabilities, then all application requirements are met, but inventory costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into a base hinge unit and a separate optional locking component. The base hinge (body BD with arms L1, L2) can be used standalone, while the locking component (with hook G and tooth T) can be added when needed. This segmentation allows the same base hinge to serve both locked and unlocked applications, eliminating the need to stock different hinge types.
Solution Approach 2:
The base hinge design incorporates universal connection features (connection means on body BD) that can accommodate both locked and unlocked configurations. The same hinge body can function with or without the additional locking component, making it a universal solution for all vehicle applications regardless of locking requirements.
2Reliability
If a locking system is integrated into the hinge design, then door locking capability is provided, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic configurable system. The locking component can be attached or removed based on application requirements, allowing the hinge to adapt its functionality. The connection means enable dynamic reconfiguration without permanent integration, reducing inherent complexity while maintaining locking capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking functionality is extracted as a separate optional component rather than being permanently integrated into the hinge. The locking component (with hook G) can be taken out or attached to the base hinge as needed, reducing the baseline complexity of the hinge while preserving the ability to add locking capability when required.
3Reliability
If the locking component is permanently integrated, then locking reliability is maximized, but adaptability to different applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base hinge is prepared in advance with connection means (mounting features on body BD) that are ready to receive the locking component. This preliminary preparation allows the locking component to be reliably attached when needed, achieving stable locking without permanent integration. The connection means ensure that when the locking component is attached, it achieves the same reliability as integrated designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Modular locking system for a hinge of an industrial vehicle comprising a hinge (H) having a central body (BD), two side parts (LI, L2) with respect to the central body which are hinged to the central body (BD) respectively by means of two mutually parallel first axes of rotation (A and B); a first side part (LI) being intended to be associated with a fixed part of a vehicle body (VH) and a second side part (L2) being intended to be associated with a vehicle door (DO), wherein at least one of the two side parts (LI, L2) comprises a tooth (T) extending radially according to one of said first axes of rotation (A or B). The system also includes an additional component (OPT) adapted to be connected to said central body (BD) and having a flat support element (SP), a hook (G) hinged to the support element (SP) by means of a second axis of rotation (R) perpendicular to said first axes of rotation and shaped to engage said tooth (T) in a predetermined mutual position of said side part (LI or L2) with respect to said central body (BD).