Releasable Hinge Assembly for Tool-Free Vehicle Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle hinges limit the configurability, modularity, and functionality of vehicle components, particularly in SUVs and vans, by allowing only 90° or less movement and requiring tools for removal, which impedes advancements in vehicle design and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A releasable hinge assembly comprising a mounting bracket, hinge bracket, and spring biased locking mechanism that allows components to be pivotally coupled and easily separated without tools, enabling increased configurability and modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing hinges are used to pivotally couple vehicle components, then the components can be attached to the vehicle body, but the components are permanently attached and cannot be easily removed or reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into separable components: a mounting bracket with pin tabs, a hinge bracket with knuckle, and a spring-biased locking mechanism with pawl arm and pin. This segmentation allows the components to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining secure attachment during use, enabling both permanent-like stability and easy reconfigurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased locking mechanism automatically engages and locks the hinge components together without requiring tools or external assistance. The spring force continuously biases the pawl arm to engage with the pin, providing self-locking functionality that secures the vehicle component in place while allowing tool-free removal when desired.
2Strength
If existing hinges are used to pivotally couple vehicle components, then the components can be attached to the vehicle body, but tools are required for removal and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased locking mechanism automatically engages and locks the hinge components together without requiring tools or external assistance. The spring force continuously biases the pawl arm to engage with the pin, providing self-locking functionality that secures the vehicle component in place while allowing tool-free removal when desired.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed with a cylindrical shape that fits into the pin channel, and the pawl arm engages with this cylindrical pin through a curved engagement surface. This curved geometry provides smooth engagement and disengagement while maintaining strong mechanical connection during operation, enabling both strength and ease of assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing hinges allow only 90° or less movement, then the hinge structure remains simple, but vehicle configurability and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into separable components: a mounting bracket with pin tabs, a hinge bracket with knuckle, and a spring-biased locking mechanism with pawl arm and pin. This segmentation allows the components to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining secure attachment during use, enabling both permanent-like stability and easy reconfigurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly incorporates a spring-biased locking mechanism that dynamically adjusts between locked and unlocked states. The spring force continuously biases the pawl arm to engage with the pin, providing automatic locking during normal operation while allowing easy release when needed, thereby enabling greater component mobility without excessive structural complexity.
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 hinge assembly provides enhanced vehicle configurability and functionality by allowing components to be removed and reattached tool-free, improving vehicle design flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The releasable hinge assembly includes a spring biased locking mechanism that pushes a pin through a mounting bracket to release the hinged component
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable hinge assembly includes a mounting bracket, a hinge bracket, and at least one spring biased locking mechanism. The mounting bracket having a first mounting plate and two pin tabs extending therefrom, at least one of the pin tabs defining a through hole therein. The hinge bracket having a second mounting plate and a knuckle extending therefrom. The knuckle defining at least one cutout that is L-shaped. The at least one spring biased locking mechanism having a pawl arm and a pin. The at least one locking mechanism positioned within a channel of the hinge bracket with the pawl arm positioned within and projecting from the at least one cutout. The pawl arm configured to move within the at least one cutout to push the pin beyond a second end of the knuckle and through a through hole defined in the pin tab of the mounting bracket.