Plastic Locking Element for Commercial Vehicle Bunk

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for commercial vehicle driver's cab bunks are complex and costly due to their multi-component design, making them difficult to manufacture and operate reliably.

Innovation Solution

A simplified locking device with only two primary components, a locking element and a carrier part, both made of plastic, which can be easily assembled and disassembled, ensuring secure locking without the risk of components detaching improperly, and allowing for universal application in various securing scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-component locking device is used, then the locking function is reliable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking function reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking components into a single integrated locking element made of plastic. The locking element integrates the locking lever, locking surface, and mounting features into one piece, eliminating the need for separate metal components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed with universal applicability for different bunk positions and configurations. The single component can be mounted on various surfaces and provides reliable locking for both horizontal and vertical bunk positions, replacing multiple specialized components with one versatile element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a multi-component locking device is used, then the locking function is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking function reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking components into a single integrated locking element made of plastic. The locking element integrates the locking lever, locking surface, and mounting features into one piece, eliminating the need for separate metal components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is made entirely of plastic material, providing homogeneity in material properties and manufacturing process. This single-material approach simplifies production compared to multi-component devices requiring different materials (metal, plastic, rubber) and corresponding manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Reliability

If a complex locking device with multiple components is used, then the locking function is comprehensive, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking function comprehensivenessVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking components into a single integrated locking element made of plastic. The locking element integrates the locking lever, locking surface, and mounting features into one piece, eliminating the need for separate metal components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2022669B1Stopping device, in particular for a sleeping area of a commercial vehicle driver cab

Publication Date: 2010.03.17 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE

Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~11

AI summary

The device has a locking element (3) shiftably and pivotably coupled with a carrier plate (2) in an inseparable manner, where the element and the plate are manufactured from the same material. An assembling unit is provided on the locking element and on the carrier plate, and releases assembling and/or dismantling of the carrier plate and the element with the non-installed stopping device. The assembling unit locks the dismantling of the carrier plate and a pivoting cylinder (6) of the locking element with the installed stopping device.