Displacement Mechanism for Book-Like Closing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion mechanisms for book-like closing elements, such as doors and windows, are complex and costly to assemble due to their intricate construction and numerous components.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanism featuring two swinging arms that move within different horizontal planes, forming an articulated quadrilateral, with hinging points located in the same half-space orthogonal to the centerline and parallel to fixed hinging axes, allowing the closing elements to fold over each other book-like, and incorporating a box-shaped casing for protection and alignment, along with a braking/damping device and magnetic locking for ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex articulated mechanism with multiple components is used to achieve book-like folding motion, then the motion functionality is achieved, but the assembly complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (swinging arms, hinging mechanisms, guiding elements) into an integrated articulated quadrilateral structure. The first and second arms are connected through a hinge at the free end of the first arm, forming a unified mechanism that achieves book-like folding motion without requiring separate complex assemblies for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is divided into distinct modular segments: the first arm with its hinge connection to the closing element, the second arm with its hinge to the fixed structure, and the connecting hinge at the free end. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly of individual components while maintaining the overall complex motion capability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple components are used to achieve the folding mechanism, then the motion functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each component in the articulated mechanism serves multiple functions. The arms provide both structural support and motion guidance, the hinges enable both rotation and positioning, and the articulated quadrilateral structure simultaneously constrains motion and transmits forces. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed compared to specialized separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dynamic hinging connections that allow controlled rotation and movement during the folding operation. The articulated quadrilateral structure dynamically adjusts its configuration as the closing elements move between closed and open positions, enabling smooth book-like folding without requiring complex rigid linkages or multiple static support structures.
3Volume of moving object
If the hinging points are placed close to the closing element, then the mechanism is more compact, but the trajectory control of the closing element becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the hinging points at specific locations on the arms rather than uniformly distributing them. The first hinge is located at the free end of the first arm, while the second hinge connects to the fixed structure at a positioned point on the second arm. This non-uniform placement optimizes the leverage and mechanical advantage at different points in the folding trajectory, ensuring effective control while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated quadrilateral mechanism operates in multiple dimensions, with arms swinging in different horizontal planes and the hinge at the free end allowing rotation in a vertical plane. This multi-dimensional motion capability enables effective trajectory control of the closing elements through spatial configuration rather than requiring larger single-plane movements, achieving both compactness and control effectiveness.
4Device complexity
If the arms are exposed without protection, then the mechanism is simpler, but dirt accumulation and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arms and hinging mechanisms are nested within the structure formed by the arms themselves and the enclosing space between the closing elements and fixed structure. The first arm extends from the closing element, the second arm connects to the fixed structure, and they overlap and interconnect to form a protective enclosure that shields the hinging points and connection areas from external dirt and contaminants while maintaining mechanical functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanism for moving a first and second closing element (30, 32) with respect to a closing position in which the closing elements are coplanar, is described. The mechanism comprises two swinging arms (40, 42) movable within two different horizontal planes to form two opposite sides of an articulated quadrilateral which has the first closing element as the third side and an edge of the fixed body as the fourth side.