Console Box Two-Point Hinge Reduces Rotation Trace
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Solution Overview
Problem
The one-point hinge structure in console boxes faces difficulties in achieving a small rotation trace and minimal cover protrusion in a completely open state, making it challenging to accommodate objects with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A console box design utilizing a two-point hinge structure with arcuate gears and dampers to control the opening speed, allowing the cover to rotate stably with reduced projection and adjustable opening speed, replacing the traditional one-point hinge structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-point hinge structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the rotation trace and cover protrusion are large
Solution Approach 1:
The single hinge point is segmented into two separate hinge couplers positioned at opposite sides of the cover. This segmentation allows the cover to rotate around two points simultaneously, creating a controlled rotation path that reduces both the rotation trace and cover protrusion while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of standard hinge components.
2Device complexity
If a one-point hinge structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the cover protrusion in open state is large
Solution Approach 1:
The single hinge point is segmented into two separate hinge couplers positioned at opposite sides of the cover. This segmentation allows the cover to rotate around two points simultaneously, creating a controlled rotation path that reduces both the rotation trace and cover protrusion while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of standard hinge components.
3Length of moving object
If a two-point hinge structure with arcuate gears is used, then the rotation trace and cover protrusion are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Arcuate gears with curved tooth profiles are employed in the hinge couplers to guide the cover along a circular rotation path. This curvature design naturally reduces the rotation trace and cover protrusion by constraining the motion to a compact arc, while the gear mechanism integrates smoothly into the existing hinge structure without adding excessive complexity.
4Length of stationary object
If a two-point hinge structure with arcuate gears is used, then the cover protrusion in open state is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Arcuate gears with curved tooth profiles are employed in the hinge couplers to guide the cover along a circular rotation path. This curvature design naturally reduces the rotation trace and cover protrusion by constraining the motion to a compact arc, while the gear mechanism integrates smoothly into the existing hinge structure without adding excessive complexity.
5Speed
If dampers are added to control opening speed, then the opening speed control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dampers are introduced as intermediary components between the hinge couplers and the cover to control the opening speed. These dampers act as mediators that dissipate kinetic energy during the opening motion, providing controlled deceleration without requiring complex active control systems. The dampers can be integrated into the existing hinge assembly, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The two-point hinge structure effectively reduces the rotation trace and cover protrusion in the open state, enabling stable and controlled opening of the console box, accommodating objects with limited space efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
torsion springs, each being disposed between each of the hinge couplers of the cover and the housing and elastically supporting the cover
Implementation Method 2
dampers, each being disposed between each of the hinge couplers of the cover and the housing and controlling an opening speed of the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A console box includes a housing defining an article accommodating space therein and having an opening formed at a front side thereof; a cover coupled to the front side of the housing via hinge couplers disposed at opposite sides of the cover; dampers, each being disposed between each of the hinge couplers of the cover and the housing and controlling an opening speed of the cover; and a torsion spring disposed between each of the hinge couplers of the cover and the housing and elastically supporting the cover. The console box further includes a hinge cover disposed outside each of the hinge couplers of the cover and preventing the cover and the torsion spring from separating from each other.