Collapsible Panel Assembly With 360-Degree Locking Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable, adjustable panel assemblies are complex to assemble and adjust, require numerous components and tools, and lack modular replacement options, making them cumbersome to transport and maintain, with existing assemblies often needing full replacement when a single part is damaged.
Innovation Solution
A portable, adjustable panel assembly with a simplified design featuring a base element, intermediate hinged arms, and a fully adjustable longitudinal panel support, incorporating push-button locking hinge assemblies for 360-degree positional adjustment, allowing for easy assembly, adjustment, and modular replacement of hinge elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional door-type hinge assemblies are used for panel support, then the assembly provides structural support and connection, but the range of motion is limited to a narrow arc aligned with a central hinge axis
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple independent components: a base element, an intermediate hinged arm with channel opening, and a panel support element. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while enabling the overall assembly to achieve 360-degree rotational capability that would be impossible with a single traditional hinge.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate hinged arm incorporates a channel opening that allows the panel support element to move dynamically through a wide range of motion. The hinge assembly transitions from a fixed-axis rotation to a dynamic system where the panel can be positioned at multiple angles including 360-degree rotation, adapting to various spatial requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed bracket assemblies are created to provide broader hinge adaptability, then the range of motion is improved, but the assembly becomes labor and component intensive requiring many parts and several tools for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate hinged arm with its channel opening serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection, enables 360-degree rotation, and allows for adjustable positioning of the panel support element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components and tools, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into the intermediate hinged arm component: it acts as both a structural connector and a positioning mechanism with the channel opening. By combining these functions into a single component rather than requiring separate parts, the assembly process is simplified while achieving the desired hinge adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fully assembled bracketing assemblies are handled for transport, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the cargo becomes bulky and difficult to transport with no portability
Solution Approach 1:
The bracketing assembly is segmented into collapsible components including the base element, intermediate hinged arm, and panel support element that can be disassembled or folded together. This segmentation allows the assembly to be compacted into a small package for easy transport while maintaining structural integrity when assembled and locked into position at the destination.
4Reliability
If traditional hinge assemblies are used, then the basic connection function is provided, but when a hinge element fails the entire bracketing assembly must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into replaceable components: the base element, intermediate hinged arm, and panel support element can be independently replaced if one fails. This modular design allows for easy repair by replacing only the defective component rather than the entire assembly, improving both reliability and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular hinge design allows the defective component to be discarded and replaced with a new or spare component, while the remaining functional components are recovered and reused. This approach reduces waste and repair costs compared to replacing the entire assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable adjustable panel assembly provides end assemblies that include a plurality of adjustable hinged arms connected to a base element and a panel support element by hinge assemblies to support a panel and provide adjustable pivot of an attached panel 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis. Geometric recesses of the portable adjustable panel assembly components correspond to geometric ends of the hinge assemblies and access apertures in hinged arm ends allow the portable adjustable panel components to be releasably pivoted and repositioned, and then locked into a desired position relative one to the other. Panel positions relative to the assembly likewise are adjustable by similar manipulation of hinge assemblies corresponding to panel support element ends. The panel assembly can be collapsed into a substantially planar assembly for portability.