Refrigerated Vehicle Partition Rail With Pivot-Release Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerated vehicle partition systems are not ergonomically optimized for user handling, particularly in terms of ease of movement and adjustment within the vehicle's loading space.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated vehicle body with a connecting mechanism for the partition panel that includes a rail fixed to the roof, a mobile assembly with a pivot connection and sliding capability, an indexing box with a locking finger and cam mechanism, and a roller system to facilitate panel movement and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the partition panel is made movable and adjustable, then the adaptability of the loading space is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the connecting mechanism with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a mobile assembly for movement, an indexing box for positioning, a locking finger for securing, and a cam mechanism for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition panel system transitions from static to dynamic through the mobile assembly that enables longitudinal movement along the rail. The mechanism allows the panel to be repositioned to different locations and locked at various positions, providing dynamic adaptability to different loading configurations.
2Ease of operation
If the partition panel is made movable and adjustable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the connecting mechanism with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the cam mechanism. When the mobile assembly moves along the rail, the cam automatically engages or disengages the locking finger with the holes in the rail, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and simplifying user interaction despite the mechanism's complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary between the mobile assembly's movement and the locking finger's engagement. It translates the longitudinal movement into automatic locking/unlocking actions, making the complex mechanism operate seamlessly with simple user input.
3Reliability
If the locking finger is biased into a deployed position, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the elastic means and indexing box
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means (spring) pre-biases the locking finger into the deployed position before any movement occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the locking mechanism is ready to engage immediately and maintains reliable locking throughout operation, counteracting any forces that might cause disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking finger provides cushioning by maintaining constant contact force with the rail holes. This beforehand cushioning ensures reliable engagement even under varying load conditions or vibrations during vehicle operation.
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 enhances the ergonomic handling of the partition system by allowing easy adjustment and movement of the panels within the vehicle, improving user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a roller supported by the panel configured to bear against the cam when the panel pivots relative to the roof by an angle of between 30° and 60° and retract the locking finger to allow the mobile assembly to slide relative to the rail in a longitudinal direction X
Implementation Method 2
the locking finger being biased by elastic means into a deployed position in which the locking finger engages in a hole
Implementation Method 3
a mobile assembly configured to support the panel by a pivot connection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This body comprises a floor, a roof (106), two side walls, a front wall, a rear opening which delimit a loading space (112); a refrigeration unit; at least one panel (114) for partitioning the loading space (112) connected to the roof (106) by a connecting mechanism (10); The connecting mechanism (10) comprises: - a rail (12) fixed on the roof (106) comprising holes (15) - a mobile assembly (17) configured to support by a pivot connection the panel (114) and to slide on the rail (12), the mobile assembly (10) comprising an indexing box (25) having a locking finger (27) mechanically linked to a cam (35), the locking finger (27) being biased by elastic means into a deployed position in which the locking finger (27) engages in a hole (15);- a roller (52) supported by the panel (114) configured to bear against the cam (35) when the panel (114) pivots relative to the roof (106) by an angle of between 30° and 60° and retract the locking finger (27) to allow the sliding of the movable assembly (10) relative to the rail (12) in a longitudinal direction X.;