Collapsible Organizer Hinge Geometry for Panel Retention During Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible organizers face issues with side panels detaching from the bottom panel in the collapsed position, leading to potential collision damage during transportation, and side doors having insufficient locking force, resulting in poor locking reliability and safety.
Innovation Solution
The collapsible organizer features a hinge with a non-cylindrical hinge pin body and a hinge receiver design that prevents detachment by aligning with a minimum dimension, and a latch assembly with actuated pins and slots that enhance locking stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple locking structure is used for the side door, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the locking components by introducing non-cylindrical shapes (oval, rectangular, or triangular cross-sections) instead of simple cylindrical pins. This parameter modification enables the locking structure to engage more securely with the hinge receiver while maintaining structural simplicity, thereby improving locking reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric geometry in the hinge pin body and hinge receiver coupling structure. The non-cylindrical portion of the hinge pin body has a cross-section that does not match the cylindrical hinge receiver, creating a unique engagement orientation. This asymmetric design prevents accidental detachment while keeping the locking mechanism simple, resolving the contradiction between complexity and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the side panels are allowed to detach in the collapsed position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the harmful factors increase due to collision damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by designing the non-cylindrical hinge pin body to automatically engage with the hinge receiver in a predetermined orientation during the collapsing operation. This preliminary engagement mechanism prevents the side panels from detaching during transportation, countering the harmful effect of collision damage before it can occur, while still allowing easy collapsing operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An organizer includes a bottom panel, side panels, a door frame, a top panel, and two door panels. The side panels and the door frame are pivotally connected to the bottom panel by a plurality of hinges and are capable of pivoting around the hinges between a use position and a collapsed position. The organizer includes improved hinges and/or latches.