Vehicle Side Panel Toggle Joint Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side panels for vehicles, particularly omnibuses, face challenges in achieving a thin-walled, space-saving design due to the integration of gas pressure springs, which require additional structural procedures and lead to permanent deformation and increased weight, compromising both aesthetics and safety.
Innovation Solution
A modular side panel with a pivotable cover plate secured by a lever and spring clip forming a toggle joint, eliminating the need for gas pressure cylinders and allowing for a thin, lightweight design with a small installation depth, where the cover plate is self-supporting and can be easily replaced, maintaining a seamless vehicle surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gas pressure springs are integrated into the side panel to enable opening and closing, then the side panel becomes openable and accessible for maintenance, but the installation depth increases and additional structural procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas pressure spring from the side panel structure and replaces it with a simple hinge joint and manual opening mechanism. This removal eliminates the need for deep installation space while maintaining the openable function, directly resolving the contradiction between accessibility and installation depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin-walled frame structure with a sleek side panel design that maintains structural integrity without requiring bulky supporting elements. The thin-film approach allows the side panel to remain aesthetically pleasing and space-saving while still being openable through the simplified hinge mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If gas pressure springs are used to hold the cover plate open, then the cover plate remains stable in open position, but the overall depth and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gas pressure spring entirely, replacing the active stabilization mechanism with a passive hinge joint. The cover plate is held open through simple mechanical means rather than pneumatic pressure, dramatically reducing structural complexity while maintaining adequate stability for maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active force (gas pressure) to hold the cover plate open, the patent uses a passive mechanical connection (hinge) that allows natural positioning. This inversion from active to passive stabilization simplifies the overall structure while achieving the same functional goal.
3Volume of moving object
If the side panel is made thin-walled to maximize interior space, then space efficiency improves, but structural strength and stability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully implements a thin-walled frame structure that maintains sufficient structural strength through optimized geometry and material selection. The thin side panel achieves the desired space efficiency while the simplified hinge mechanism provides adequate support without requiring thickening of the panel walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panel is divided into modular sections with the cover plate as a separate removable component. This segmentation allows the main panel to remain thin for space efficiency while the cover plate can be independently designed with sufficient strength for its specific function, and the hinge connection provides the necessary structural support.
4Strength
If reinforcing elements are added to the cover plate to prevent distortion, then structural integrity improves, but weight and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for reinforcing elements by removing the gas pressure spring that caused the distortion problem. The simplified hinge mechanism applies forces more evenly, allowing the cover plate to maintain structural integrity without additional weight from reinforcements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system from high-force gas pressure springs to low-force hinge joints. This parameter change reduces the stress on the cover plate, allowing it to be made lighter without risking distortion or failure.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and safe side panel that maintains the thin-walled frame structure while allowing easy access for maintenance, reducing the risk of injury and maximizing interior space without increasing external dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring clip (16) articulated thereto, the lever (13) and clip (16) together forming a toggle joint
Implementation Method 2
the upper fastening comprising a joint, in particular a film hinge
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular, replaceable side panel (1) for a vehicle, in particular for an omnibus. The side panel comprises in this case a pivotable cover plate (10) which is connected to a vehicle chassis (3) by an upper fastening and a lower fastening (2, 18). In this case a frame of the CO-BOLT® system is suitable, in particular, as a vehicle chassis (3). The upper fastening (2) comprises in this case a joint (7), in particular a film hinge (7). A securing device of the joint (7) is also present and the lower fastening (18) comprises a releasable locking device, the cover plate (10) being held in a closed position by the upper fastening and the lower fastening. The securing device comprises a lever (13) attached to the cover plate (10) with a spring clip (16) articulated thereto, the lever (13) and clip (16) together forming a toggle joint. A spring catch (17) is also present such that the toggle joint, with the cover plate (10) pivoted at a predetermined angle, is located behind a dead center position and at the same time the spring clip (16) is engaged in the spring catch (17) so that the cover plate (10) is secured at a predetermined angle.