Vehicle Hatch Tipping Mechanism with Internal Pivot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing internal fitting elements for vehicles with closing hatches face issues such as restricted movement due to external hinges, which complicate locking mechanisms and obstruct access when open, or use of rotation pins that lead to jamming and reduced accessibility.

Innovation Solution

An internal fitting element with a tipping closing hatch mechanism that employs pivot means with a rotation axis rearward of the cornice, allowing the hatch to fully open outside the compartment without external hinges, using fixed locking means and a guide groove for smooth, one-handed operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If external hinges are used to fix the hatch to the support structure, then the hatch can be fully opened leaving the access opening completely free, but the hinges restrict the movement to simple rotation and complicate the locking mechanism structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehatch opening accessibilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional external hinge connection and extracts the rotation function to a pivot means positioned inside the compartment. This eliminates the need for complex external locking mechanisms while maintaining full opening capability, as the hatch connects internally rather than externally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of fixing hinges on the external support structure, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the pivot means inside the compartment on the cornice. The hatch connects to this internal pivot point, reversing the traditional external connection approach and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If rotation pins are used to replace hinges, then the structure becomes simpler and more economic, but the hatch continues to obstruct part of the opening when opened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidaccessibility to compartment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the pivot means in a different spatial location (inside the compartment on the cornice rather than externally) and uses an arm mechanism that extends the hatch's rotation path. This dimensional repositioning allows the hatch to clear the opening completely when open, maintaining accessibility while keeping the structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If rotation pins with slotted openings are used, then the hatch gains greater freedom of movement for roto-translational motion, but the hatch becomes more labile and may arrange itself obliquely causing jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidoperation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an arm as an intermediary element between the hatch and the pivot means. This arm acts as a mediator that guides the hatch's movement along a controlled path, preventing oblique positioning and jamming while maintaining smooth roto-translational motion. The arm ensures reliable operation by mediating the interaction between the hatch and pivot mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2853447B1Vehicle internal fitting element with tipping closing hatch
Publication Date: 2016.04.27 FRANCOM
  • EP2853447B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2853447B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2853447B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an internal fitting element for vehicles with tipping closing hatch. It includes a frame 2, which internally delimits at least one chamber 3 accessible through at least one opening 4 formed on frame 2 and delimited by a cornice 5, and at least one access hatch 6 which is arranged to at least partial to close such an opening and is connected to the frame in a tipping manner through pivot means 10 which define a rotation axis X around which the hatch can rotate to shift between a closed position and an open position. The cornice which delimits the opening defines a seat at which the hatch is arranged in the closed position. The hatch is translatable with respect to the cornice to shift between an engagement position and a release position in relation to blocking means. The rotation axis X is rearward of the cornice inside the chamber. The access hatch is mechanically connected to the pivot means by means of at least one arm 21, sized such that in the open position, the access hatch is arranged completely outside the opening.