Vehicle Cabinet Hinge Locking Intermediate Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cabin cabinet lids require complex locking systems that necessitate full opening before releasing and re-closing, which is inefficient, and prior solutions like US908046 and WO-A1-2011146887 are not satisfactory for locking in intermediate positions.
Innovation Solution
A hinge system with a plate and pivot mechanism, featuring radially aligned notches and axially mobile teeth loaded by a spring, allowing the lid to be locked in intermediate positions and easily re-closed without full opening, utilizing a combination of a plate with circular holes and a tubular pivot with mobile teeth that engage and retract to secure the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking system is used to lock the lid in intermediate positions, then the lid can be locked in intermediate positions, but the system becomes complex and requires full opening before releasing
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is segmented into distinct functional components: a body with notches for positioning, a lever with teeth for engagement, and a spring for automatic resetting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for a complex integrated locking system while still achieving reliable intermediate position locking
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lever automatically resets to its initial position after engagement, enabling the lid to be re-closed without manual intervention or full opening. The system serves itself by using the spring's stored energy to return the lever to its neutral state, eliminating the need for complex release mechanisms
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lid is locked in intermediate position, then the lid remains stable during vehicle movement, but existing systems require full opening to release the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to automatically transition between locked and unlocked states. The spring provides dynamic resetting action, enabling the system to adapt to different lid positions (closed, intermediate, fully open) without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining stability while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the lever and the locking mechanism, providing the force necessary for automatic resetting. This intermediary component enables the lever to return to its initial position without requiring the lid to be fully opened, simplifying the re-closing operation while maintaining stable locking
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
Enables simple and economical locking and re-closing of the cabinet lid in intermediate positions, providing stability under vehicle movement and allowing for forward tilting in industrial vehicles, enhancing usability and robustness.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (SP) penetrates into the tubular body (PB) of the pivot until coming into contact, from the inside, with a supporting structure (not illustrated) which joins at least the two teeth to form a single body. The spring thus loads the teeth (T) so as to assume the extraction position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Hinge (2) of a lid (H) of a cabinet (1) of a vehicle cabin. The hinge has a pivot (P) fixed to one edge of said lid (H), a plate (PS) having a circular hole (F) defining an axis of symmetry (X) perpendicular to a planar extension of the plate (P) and at least three grooves (N1, N2) having a longitudinal shape, arranged at the edge of the hole radially extending and mutually angularly offset with respect to the axis of symmetry (X), where the pivot (P) comprises a tubular body (PB) having a longitudinal extension according to the axis of symmetry (X) with a closed base ending in a pin (PN) coaxial with the body and one or more axially mobile teeth (T), arranged on the edge of said pin (PN) and complementary to each of the notches (N1 and N2).