Dual-Motion Display Plate Mechanism for Stable Heavy Panel Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display unit systems struggle to efficiently move plates of varying thicknesses, sizes, and shapes, such as spherical and cone frustum plates, which require manual support and are unstable, especially when opening and closing, leading to operator strain and risk of breakage.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical system comprising section bars and support arms with a dual opening mechanism that allows for parallelogram motion and casement opening, enabling the movement of heavy plates without manual support, with adjustable direction and secure locking to prevent accidental opening, and incorporating gaskets for sealing and a spring closing mechanism for alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical structure with parallelogram motion is used to move plates, then plates can be translated along the customer side of the counter, but the system becomes unstable and requires manual support for certain plate thicknesses, sizes, and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support arms adjustable in length and position. The support arms can be extended or repositioned to provide adequate support for different plate configurations (thicknesses, sizes, shapes), transforming a static unstable structure into a dynamically adaptable one that maintains stability across various operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the mechanical structure, specifically the length and positioning parameters of the support arms. By adjusting these parameters, the system can accommodate different plate dimensions and maintain proper support geometry, resolving the instability issue for various plate types without requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual support is provided for unstable plates, then breakage of hinges can be avoided, but operators are obliged to make constant effort for cleaning and inserting/removing goods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the mechanical structure to automatically provide necessary support for plates throughout their movement range. The adjustable support arms self-adjust to maintain proper geometric relationships, eliminating the need for operators to manually support plates during opening, closing, cleaning, or goods handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the support arms allows the system to automatically adapt to different plate configurations and movement phases, providing continuous stable support without requiring constant manual intervention. This dynamic support mechanism ensures hinge stability while freeing operators from constant effort.
3Reliability
If the mechanical structure is designed for specific plate configurations, then stable motion is achieved, but the system lacks adaptability for plates of certain size and especially shaped plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the mechanical structure with adjustable support arms that can be configured for different plate types. The same basic mechanical structure serves multiple functions by adapting its geometry through adjustable support arms, allowing it to handle various plate thicknesses, sizes, and shapes including spherical and curved plates without requiring multiple specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the support arms transforms a static single-purpose structure into a multi-functional system. The support arms can be repositioned and reconfigured to match different plate geometries, enabling the same mechanical structure to provide stable motion for diverse plate configurations through parameter adjustment rather than requiring separate systems for each plate type.
Data Source
AI summary
The system foresees for each plate (1) an autonomous mechanical structure composed of one section bar (3) connected to a gripper that holds a plate (1) as well as of another section bar (10) and at least two support arms (5, 5′, 6, 6′) hinged upon said section bars (3, 10); the structure is fixed to a section bar (9) that is in turn fixed to the display counter or window near the base of the tank; the support arms (5, 5′, 6, 6′) differ in length; two supports (4, 4′, 11, 11′) are fixed to each section bar (3, 10); said supports constitute the hinge members upon which the ends of the support arms (5, 5′, 6, 6′) fit; each plate (1) can both move in a parallelogram motion with translation parallel to the display counter or window, and open like a casement window using the pin (7) of the shorter support arm (5, 5′) as a pivot; the system also contains a spring closing mechanism and a lock (18).