Dual-Lid Spring Preload Adjustment With Tool-Free Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid devices for storage compartments, particularly in vehicles, face limitations in adjustability and manageability of their spring preload adjustment mechanisms, which are often coarse and difficult to handle without tools.
Innovation Solution
A lid device with independently movable lid areas, each loaded by a spring, features an adjustable locking device that allows precise adjustment of spring preload through a support part with movable locking means and counter-locking means, enabling ergonomic adjustment and secure locking without requiring complex tooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the spring end is engaged in a plurality of detents to adjust preload force, then the spring's adjustability is limited with regard to fine-tuning, but the structure is simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed to be movable relative to the base, allowing continuous adjustment of the spring preload rather than being fixed in discrete positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables fine-tuning of the spring force while maintaining a relatively simple structure through the use of a single movable support element rather than multiple detents.
2Ease of operation
If the spring end is engaged in a plurality of detents for adjustment, then the handling is difficult and requires a tool, but the locking mechanism is simpler
Solution Approach 1:
A locking element is introduced as an intermediary component that engages with the movable support element to secure the adjusted spring preload position. This locking element can be operated manually without tools, improving handling ease while maintaining a relatively simple locking mechanism through the use of a single engageable component rather than complex multi-step locking procedures.
3Measurement precision
If the support element is made movable for precise adjustment, then the adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting device is segmented into distinct functional components: a movable support element for preload adjustment and a separate locking element for securing the adjusted position. This segmentation allows the support element to be optimized for precise adjustment while the locking element handles the securing function, thereby improving preload adjustment precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the locking device is made adjustable between locking and release positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be operable by the user without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The locking element can be manually engaged and disengaged to secure or release the adjusted spring preload position, improving ease of operation while maintaining device simplicity through the use of a single self-operable locking component rather than complex tool-dependent locking systems.
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 solution provides precise and ergonomic adjustment of spring preload, improving handleability and ensuring synchronous operation of dual lid areas, enhancing the overall functionality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
Each lid section is biased into the open position by a spring
Implementation Method 2
the support element has at least one locking device which can be engaged with a counter-locking device at the base or the cover area in different relative positions, e.g. by means of positive locking of the locking devices and counter-locking devices
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7
AI summary
The invention relates, among other things, to a lid device (10) with a first lid area (13) and a second lid area (14), wherein each lid area (13, 14) is movable relative to a base about a separate pivot axis between a closed position and an open position, and is biased into the open position by a spring (16a, 16b), wherein a spring leg (18) of the spring (16a, 16b) is supported at the base and a spring leg (17) biases the lid area (13, 14), and can be held in the closed position by a locking device which is adjustable between a locked position and a released position, wherein the spring preload is adjustable by an adjusting device (20).The special feature is that the adjusting device (20) comprises a support part (21a, 21b) for a spring leg (18) of the spring (16a, 16b), which is movably mounted and has at least one locking means which can be releasably engaged with a base-fixed counter-locking means (27) in different relative positions, wherein the support part (21a, 21b) has support means on which one spring leg (18) of the spring (16a, 16b) can be supported.