Concealable apparatus assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealable apparatus assemblies in the prior art suffer from issues such as housing projection above the tabletop during intermediate rotation positions and the need for a modified frame plate with a rounded recess, resulting in gaps and an uneven surface when the housing is flush with the tabletop.
Innovation Solution
A concealable apparatus assembly with a support structure that is not only rotatably but also linearly receivable in the opening of a board or plate, allowing for perfect fitting without projection, achieved through guiding means like slots and pins for precise movement control and driving mechanisms for automated rotation and linear movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the housing is rotatably received in a recess of the tabletop with a circular cross-sectional shape, then the apparatus can be concealed at intermediate rotation positions, but the housing projects above the tabletop recess during intermediate rotation positions
Solution Approach 1:
The housing cross-section is changed from circular to polygonal (square, rectangular, or octagonal), allowing the housing to rotate within a planar boundary that prevents projection above the tabletop surface while maintaining concealment capability at intermediate positions
2Ease of operation
If the housing has a circular cross-sectional shape with flat surfaces offset from one another, then the apparatus can be accessible at a first angular position and flush at a second angular position, but surrounding gaps are left between the tabletop contour and the housing flat surface outer contour
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is given an asymmetric polygonal cross-section (square, rectangular, or octagonal) that allows precise alignment with the polygonal opening in the tabletop, eliminating surrounding gaps while maintaining the ability to achieve both accessible and flush positions through rotation
3Ease of manufacture
If a modified frame plate with a rounded recess is used to accommodate the housing, then the housing can be received, but gaps still exist between the frame plate opening and the housing contour, and the flat surface is slightly above the tabletop level
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the frame plate to accommodate a circular housing, the approach is inverted by using a polygonal housing that naturally fits the polygonal opening, eliminating the need for rounded recesses and additional frame plates, and achieving perfect surface alignment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a concealable apparatus assembly, comprising a support structure (5) supporting an apparatus (M) and rotatably receivable in an opening (1a) of a board or of a plate (1) so that the apparatus (M) is accessible through said opening (1a) from a first major surface of the board or plate (1) at a first angular position adopted by said support structure (5), and concealed for other angular positions adopted thereby, the support structure (5) having or supporting a flat surface (2) which remains flush with said first major surface of the board or plate (1) at a second angular position adopted by said support structure (5). The support structure (5) is also linearly receivable in said opening (1a) so that it can move linearly according to an approaching/distancing direction with respect to the board or plate (1).