Spring Steel Movable Hook for Cargo Bed Panel Rattling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panel locking mechanisms for cargo bed gate-type panels require additional members to prevent rattling during vehicle driving, increasing complexity and component count.
Innovation Solution
A panel locking structure using a U-shaped movable hook made of spring steel, which is turnably supported on the locking lever and engages with a stationary hook, utilizing resilient force to press the gate-type panel inward and prevent rattling without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional members (retaining member or latch plate with adjust mechanism) are provided to prevent rattling, then rattling prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function and rattling prevention function into a single integrated locking lever structure. The locking lever includes a pressing portion that contacts the panel and a locking portion that engages with the stationary hook, eliminating the need for separate retaining members or latch plates with adjust mechanisms. This consolidation reduces component count while maintaining both locking and rattling prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary locking action through engagement with the stationary hook, prevents rattling through the pressing portion that contacts the panel surface, and maintains structural stability. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized parts.
2Reliability
If a U-shaped movable hook made of spring steel is used, then rattling prevention is achieved through resilient force, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of spring steel by designing the movable hook with specific geometric parameters that allow it to function as a spring element. The U-shaped configuration and dimensional proportions are optimized to provide adequate resilient force for rattling prevention while remaining compatible with standard spring steel material specifications and conventional manufacturing tolerances.
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
Effectively prevents rattling of the gate-type panel during driving without increasing the number of components, ensuring stable retention and improved rigidity of the panel locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially U-shaped movable hook made of a spring steel and turnably supported in the middle of the locking lever
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle according to the invention includes a cargo bed having a panel locking mechanism. The panel locking mechanism includes a locking lever pivotably supported on a gate-type panel, a substantially U-shaped movable hook made of a spring steel and coupled to a middle of the locking lever, and a stationary hook provided on a panel adjacent to the gate-type panel and with which the movable hook is engageable. When seen from above, the middle portion of the movable hook is pressed onto a surface of the gate-type panel so as to press the gate-type panel inward of the cargo bed by a resilient force upon locking. For example, the movable hook can be formed with a straight portion.