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

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.