Detachable Hinge Lock Using a Spring-Integrated Pin Catch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attaching/detaching devices for toilet seats and lids require a shaft and spring to bias the pin, leading to a complex configuration, and there is a need to simplify the number of parts and configuration.

Innovation Solution

An attaching/detaching device with a case having an insertion hole and a housing space, a button that can be depressed into the case, and a spring that biases the button in the opposite direction, where the locking part is positioned within the insertion hole and moves into the housing space upon button depression, eliminating the need for a separate shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shaft and spring are used to bias the pin in the attachment/detachment part, then the pin can be locked and released, but the number of parts increases and the configuration becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking and release functionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shaft and spring into a single integrated spring component. The spring directly performs both the biasing function (pushing the pin) and the locking function (engaging with the groove), eliminating the need for a separate shaft. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall configuration while maintaining the reliable locking and release mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a shaft and spring are used to bias the pin, then the attachment/detachment mechanism functions properly, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment/detachment functionVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the shaft and spring into one integrated component. The spring element directly engages with the pin and groove mechanism, performing both the biasing and locking functions that previously required two separate parts. This reduction in part quantity simplifies assembly and maintenance while ensuring proper attachment and detachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration simplifies the device by using the spring to lock and release the pin, reducing the number of parts required and allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the toilet seat and lid, while maintaining effective fixation and release mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a spring that biases the button in a direction opposite to a depression direction of the button with respect to the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The spring includes a locking part for locking the pin. Also, the locking part is positioned within the insertion hole in a state where the button is not depressed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3135167B1Detachable device, and hinge device employing same
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 TOK BEARING CO LTD
  • EP3135167B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3135167B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3135167B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

To provide an attaching/detaching device of which the configuration can be simplified, and a hinge device using the same, an attaching/detaching device 6 in the invention includes a case 60 in which an insertion hole 61 for insertion of a pin 3, and a housing space 62 that is connected to the insertion hole 61 and extends in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the insertion hole 61 are formed; a button 80 that is depressible into the case 60 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the insertion hole 61; and a spring 70 that biases the button 80 in a direction opposite to a depression direction of the button 80 with respect to the case 60. The spring 70 has a locking part 74 for locking the pin 3. The locking part 74 is positioned within the insertion hole 61 in a state where the button 80 is not depressed, and is moved from the inside of the insertion hole 61 to the inside of the housing space 62 by the button 80 being depressed.