Articulating Hinge Assembly Prevents Cabinet Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic gaming machines face challenges in securely and damage-preventively opening access doors, as existing hinge assemblies allow the door to potentially contact and damage the external cabinet surface during operation.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with interdigitated link pairs and pivot joints, coupled between the door and cabinet, limits the door's rotation to less than 180 degrees, preventing contact with the external surface by articulating through a controlled range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge assembly is used to secure the access door, then the door can be opened for maintenance access, but the door may contact and damage the external cabinet surface during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly transitions from a static connection to a dynamic articulated mechanism with multiple link pairs that adapt their configuration during door movement. The link pairs rotate at different pivot joints to control the door's trajectory, ensuring the door opens without contacting the cabinet surface while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interdigitated link pairs act as intermediary elements between the door and cabinet, mediating the motion transfer. These link pairs with multiple pivot joints create a controlled articulation path that prevents direct contact between the door and cabinet surface, eliminating the harmful effect while preserving door accessibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the door rotation is restricted to less than 180 degrees, then contact with the external surface is prevented, but the range of motion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly provides dynamic adaptation within the restricted rotation range. The multiple link pairs with pivot joints adjust their relative positions and angles during operation, maximizing the effective use of the less-than-180-degree rotation to achieve full door accessibility without exceeding the safe angular limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism changes multiple geometric parameters simultaneously - the angles at different pivot joints, the relative positions of link pairs, and the configuration of the articulated structure. These coordinated parameter changes enable the door to achieve sufficient opening width and maintenance access within the constrained rotation angle.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex articulating hinge assembly with multiple link pairs is used, then door contact with cabinet is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into multiple identical or similar link pairs, each with its own pivot joints. This segmentation allows the complex function of controlled articulation to be distributed across repeating modular units, making the overall complex structure more manageable and potentially easier to manufacture through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The link pairs are arranged in a nested or interdigitated configuration where the components are coupled together in a compact sequence. This nesting approach consolidates the multiple moving parts into a compact assembly, reducing the overall space required and making the complex mechanism more integrated and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for securing a door on a gaming machine cabinet includes a first flange coupled to the door, a second flange coupled to the cabinet, a first link pair coupled to and extending from the first flange at a first pivot joint, a second link pair coupled to and extending from the first flange at a second pivot joint, a third link pair coupled to the first link pair at a third pivot joint, wherein the third link pair is further coupled to the second flange at a fourth pivot joint, and wherein the third link pair is further coupled to the second link pair at a fifth pivot joint, and a fourth link pair coupled to the second flange at a sixth pivot joint, wherein the fourth link pair is further coupled to the second link pair at a seventh pivot joint.