Two-Axis Hinge Support for Lateral Aerodynamic Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing aerodynamic panel systems for industrial vehicles face challenges in adapting to non-straight rear profiles of the cabin, limiting driver access and causing torsion stresses due to complex hinge arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A support system utilizing two-axis hinges with U-shaped brackets and connecting rods allows the aerodynamic panel to follow any rear profile, enabling complete removal and reducing torsion stresses, with stiffening rods for synchronous movement and adjustable limit stops for secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed portion of the panel is arranged to follow the rear profile of the cabin, then the panel can adapt to non-straight rear profiles, but the width of the driver's access to the rear part of the cabin is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel adaptation to rear profileVSAvoiddriver access width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The panel is divided into a fixed portion that follows the rear profile of the cabin and a movable portion that can be opened. The fixed portion maintains aerodynamic adaptation while the movable portion provides unobstructed driver access when opened, resolving the contradiction between profile adaptation and access width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex hinge arrangements are used to adapt to non-straight rear profiles, then the panel can follow any rear profile, but torsion stresses are generated on the panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel adaptation to rear profileVSAvoidtorsion stresses on panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into multiple independent hinges (first hinge, second hinge, third hinge) that work together to support the panel. This distribution of support points reduces the torsion stresses that would be concentrated in a single complex hinge arrangement, while still enabling adaptation to non-straight profiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support device acts as an intermediary between the cabin and the panel, providing multiple attachment points through the hinge system. This intermediary structure distributes the mechanical loads and reduces torsion stresses on the panel itself while maintaining profile adaptation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If one panel is fixed and the other oscillates to simplify assembling, then assembling is simplified, but the driver cannot fully access the rear part of the cabin when the semitrailer is attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembling simplicityVSAvoiddriver access to rear part

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The panel transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic system with movable portions that can be opened. The support device with multiple hinges enables the panel to move between closed (aerodynamic) and open (access) positions, maintaining assembling simplicity while providing full driver access to the rear cabin area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2500244B1Support system of a lateral aerodynamic panel of an aerodynamic kit of a cabin of an industrial vehicle

Publication Date: 2014.10.29 IVECO SPA

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AI summary

Support system of a lateral aerodynamic panel (1) of an aerodynamic kit of a cabin (C) of an industrial vehicle, the aerodynamic panel having a vertical development, the system comprising at least two hinges suitable to connect, in the same number of distinct points, the aerodynamic panel (1) and a rear part of a cabin (C) and wherein said at least two hinges (2 and 2') are of the type having two axis of rotation and are reciprocally placed so that the aerodynamic panel (1) moves between an open and a closed position in a way substantially parallel to itself.