Pantograph Hinge Re-centring Device for Lateral Sliding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pantograph hinges in motor vehicles experience lateral sliding issues due to their complex structure and mechanical stress, which affects their rigidity when closed.
Innovation Solution
A pantograph hinge design incorporating a mechanical stop that complements the edge of a connecting rod, forming a new mechanical bond and reducing sliding by aligning radially or parallel to the axis when closed, enhancing rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mechanical stop with flat surface is used to stress the pantograph hinge when closed, then the hinge is mechanically stressed to increase rigidity, but lateral sliding clearance remains between the knuckles
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stop is designed with a specific radial surface geometry that locally contacts the connecting rod at a precise location. This localized quality enhancement at the contact point creates effective centering without requiring changes to the entire hinge structure, resolving the lateral sliding issue while maintaining overall rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical stop features an asymmetric radial surface configuration that does not uniformly contact the connecting rod. This asymmetric design creates a specific geometric relationship that prevents lateral sliding in one direction while allowing controlled movement in another, effectively eliminating clearance without compromising the hinge's flexibility during operation.
2Reliability
If the mechanical stop and connecting rod edge are of complementary shape fitting together radially, then lateral sliding is reduced and rigidity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stop is integrated directly into the existing hinge structure, combining the centering function with the existing mechanical components. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate centering mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired lateral sliding reduction through the complementary radial surfaces.
3Strength
If a new mechanical connection is formed between the mechanical stop and connecting rod, then mechanical rigidity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radial surfaces of the mechanical stop and connecting rod are designed to contact along a radial line from the pivot axis, creating an equipotential contact condition. This geometric arrangement ensures that minor manufacturing variations are compensated by the radial symmetry, maintaining effective centering and rigidity without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a pantograph hinge comprising a re-centring device. The pantograph hinge (2) comprises a stationary knuckle (4) and a movable knuckle (6). The knuckles are connected to two connecting rods (8, 8A) by means of pivot connections (10). The axes of rotation of the pivot connections are parallel to a single working axis (12). One connecting rod (8A) comprises a flange (20) extending in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the working axis (12). The stationary knuckle (4) comprises a mechanical stop (16) that bears against the flange (20) of the connecting rod (8A) when the pantograph hinge (2) is closed. The mechanical stop (16) and the flange (20) of the connecting rod (8A) are complementary in shape, so as to fit together in a direction radial or substantially radial to the working axis (12) when the pantograph hinge (2) is closed again.