Multiple Axis Hinge Arrangement for Truck Hood Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heavy truck hoods with a single horizontal pivot axis limit access to engine components, requiring improved mechanisms for better access and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A multiple axis hinge arrangement that allows the hood to pivot on both a horizontal and vertical axis, utilizing a hinge coupling member with securing devices to facilitate lateral movement and enhance access to the engine compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single horizontal pivot axis is used for the hood, then the structure is simple, but access to engine components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical pivot axis in addition to the existing horizontal pivot axis, transforming the single-axis rotation into a two-axis rotational system. This dimensional change allows the hood to achieve both forward opening (horizontal rotation) and lateral opening (vertical rotation), significantly improving access to engine components from multiple directions while maintaining structural integration through the coupling member
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hood is integrated with fenders as a unit, then structural integrity is maintained, but flexibility in opening directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hood assembly into functionally independent components: the hood body, fenders, and a coupling member that connects them to the frame. This segmentation allows the hood to pivot independently on both horizontal and vertical axes while the fenders can be positioned separately, providing versatile opening directions while maintaining overall structural integrity through the coupling mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple axis hinge arrangement for a truck hood includes a first hinge arrangement and a second hinge arrangement laterally spaced and mounted at first and second sides, respectively, of a front end of a truck. The first and second hinge arrangements include horizontal hinge elements that support a truck hood for pivotal movement on a horizontal axis relative to a truck frame and include vertical hinge elements that provide vertical pivot axes. A coupling member is provided at each of the first and second hinge arrangements allowing the selected hinge arrangement to be uncoupled from the front end of the truck so the hood is free to pivot on the vertical axis of the coupled arrangement.