Pivot Hinge Locking Mechanism for Air-Guiding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivotable connections for side air-guiding elements on utility vehicles lack a reliable and user-friendly locking mechanism that can automatically secure the elements in predetermined positions, often requiring additional actuation and being prone to corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A pivot hinge with an integrated locking mechanism that automatically locks at predetermined positions, featuring a latching mechanism with a spring for autonomy and corrosion protection, allowing for secure and easy operation without additional levers, and reducing installation space and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pivot mechanism with separate locking components is used, then the locking function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and installation space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated directly into the pivot hinge structure. The locking element is formed as part of the pivot arm, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable automatic locking at predetermined pivot positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot hinge structure serves multiple functions: it enables pivoting motion and simultaneously provides automatic locking capability. The locking element performs both the locking function and structural support function, reducing the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If additional locking components and levers are added, then the locking function is enhanced, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is formed as an integrated part of the pivot arm rather than as a separate component. This eliminates the weight of additional locking components, levers, and fasteners while maintaining secure automatic locking functionality through the spring-biased latching mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple pivot mechanism is used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it lacks automatic locking capability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking functionality is integrated into the pivot arm structure itself, allowing the entire assembly to be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit. The spring-biased latching mechanism provides automatic locking without requiring complex separate components, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling reliable position locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased locking element automatically engages with the pivot hinge body to lock the air-guiding element in predetermined positions without requiring external actuation. This self-service locking mechanism maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing reliable automatic position securing.
4Ease of operation
If the pivot mechanism is exposed to the environment, then access and maintenance are easier, but corrosion resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element and spring mechanism are nested within the hollow interior of the pivot arm. The pivot arm itself acts as a protective housing that shields the internal locking components from environmental exposure. This nested structure prevents corrosion while maintaining a compact design, and the pivot arm can be accessed for maintenance when needed.
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 provides a cost-effective, weight-efficient, and user-friendly locking mechanism that ensures the air-guiding elements are securely locked in place, reducing maintenance needs and preventing axial movement during locking, while offering haptic and acoustic feedback for user assurance.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism comprises a spring, preferably a helical spring (for example, helical compression spring), for biasing the latching mechanism in the at least one predetermined pivot position
Implementation Method 2
The automatic locking mechanism can include a feedback that is haptically and/or acoustically perceptible for the user, so that the user can be sure that the air-guiding element has been locked
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates, amongst other things, to a device for pivotably connecting an air-guiding element (16), preferably a rear side-air-guiding element of a drivers cab, to a vehicle (10), preferably a rear wall of the drivers cab of a utility vehicle. The device has a swing hinge (22), which is designed to be fastened on the one hand to the air-guiding element (16) and on the other hand to the vehicle (10). The swing hinge (22) has a locking mechanism (32), which is designed to lock the swing hinge (22) automatically when at least one predetermined pivot position has been reached.