Design and Kinematics Analysis of a Parallel Mechanism to be Utilized as a Luggage Door by an Analogy to a Four – Bar Mechanism

Burak Baykus,Ibrahim Ozkol,Elmas Anli

doi:10.4236/eng.2011.34047

Abstract

In this study, a luggage door mechanism to be used in commercial vehicles such as midibuses and buses is designed and analyzed. The mechanism is designed as a parallel hinged system. Velocities, rotational veloci- ties and rotational accelerations of selected points on the design are calculated. Furthermore, the experiment- tal model of the design is established and it is seen that the data taken from the model are compatible with the calculated results. The aim of this study is to design a mechanism with the minimal workspace so that the door can be utilized in narrow areas and the ergonomics of the luggage door is improved. Considering both commercial and passenger vehicle sales, vehicle interior and exterior trim features have an exceptionally important role in automotive industry, in addition to vehicle performance characteristics. In today’s compete- tive environment, parts used in a vehicle’s internal and external trim have to meet user demands in terms of ergonomics as well as aesthetics. Due to its similarity to a four-bar mechanism, kinematics analysis of the design was carried out based on a four-bar mechanism, which is used extensively in industry.

Highlights

Trunk lids are large parts used in commercial vehicles such as midibuses and buses and are made of steel or aluminum
A luggage door mechanism to be used in commercial vehicles such as midibuses and buses is designed and analyzed
The aim of this study is to design a mechanism with the minimal workspace so that the door can be utilized in narrow areas and the ergonomics of the luggage door is improved

Summary

Introduction

Trunk lids are large parts used in commercial vehicles such as midibuses and buses and are made of steel or aluminum. They compose an average of %10 of the total vehicle surface, i.e. approximately 20-30 m2. When the present luggage door mechanisms are analyzed, it is observed that there are two types of mechanisms used in the design of such structures: Traditional top-hinged system and parallel hinged system [1]. The traditional top-hinged system has a simple structure and maintains rigidity with its support along the hinge and wide ribbed profiles. The mechanism requires a heavy door frame and has a large trajectory of motion, so it is impractical to be used in narrow spaces [1] (see Figure 1)

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