Explosion-Proof Box Hinge with Sliding Bolt and Screw-In Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boxes used in hazardous areas lack a secure and cost-effective method to maintain a permanent connection between the cover and lower parts while allowing for safe pivoting and easy opening and closing.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a joint device with a sliding and screwable articulated system, where the sliding bolt has an edge flange to prevent detachment and a screw-in bolt for secure attachment, allowing for a pivoting range of up to 220°, ensuring the cover part remains connected to the box even when open.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover is made completely detachable from the base, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of wrong cover placement or loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of opening and closingVSAvoidpermanent connection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge device enables dynamic connection between cover and base, allowing the cover to pivot between open and closed positions while remaining permanently attached. The sliding bolt mechanism provides movable connection that maintains reliability while improving ease of operation compared to fully detachable designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a hinge mechanism is added to allow pivoting, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting capabilityVSAvoidjoint mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge device is segmented into distinct functional components: a sliding bolt portion for movement control, a bearing portion for pivoting, and flange portions for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, reducing overall complexity while enabling pivoting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding bolt acts as an intermediary element between the cover and base, providing a simple mechanical connection that enables pivoting without requiring complex hinge mechanisms. The bearing portion serves as another intermediary that facilitates smooth rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the sliding bolt has a circular cross-section for smooth sliding, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to rotation control issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding smoothnessVSAvoidrotation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flange portions are designed with asymmetric features including non-circular cross-sections that correspond to recesses in the base. This asymmetry prevents unwanted rotation while the main sliding bolt portion maintains a circular cross-section for smooth sliding movement, resolving the contradiction between sliding smoothness and rotation control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2929764B1Box comprising a hinge device
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 EATON PROTECTION SYST IP GMBH & CO
  • EP2929764B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2929764B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a box comprising a box lower portion and a cover part that is mounted so as to be pivotable relative thereto between an open and closed position by means of a hinge device, and being able to be used particularly in areas at risk of explosion. The hinge device comprises a lower hinge part associated with the box lower portion and an upper hinge part associated with the cover part, which are pivotally interconnected. In order to allow, in a simple manner, a permanent connection between the cover part and box lower portion which simultaneously permits these parts to pivot relative to one another in a secure and cost-effective manner, one hinge part is mounted such that it can be displaced by sliding, and the other hinge part is arranged such that it can be at least partially screwed into each associated box lower portion or cover part.