Elastomer Cover with Self-Locking Inspection Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covers for objects suffer from poor workability as the opening/closing portions tend to return to the closed state when not manually held, hindering inspection and maintenance tasks.
Innovation Solution
A cover design featuring elastomer bodies with integrated locking portions and slits, allowing for secure locking and folding mechanisms to maintain an open state without manual holding, incorporating sound-absorbing materials for insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening/closing portion is opened to expose the object for inspection or maintenance, then the workability is improved, but the opening/closing portion returns to the closed state when the operator releases their hand, requiring continuous manual holding
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion automatically locks the opening/closing region in the open state without requiring manual intervention to maintain it. The locking mechanism engages passively when the opening/closing region is folded back, allowing the system to maintain its state autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portion is designed to automatically engage with the locked portion when the opening/closing region is folded back to the terminal end side. This preliminary locking action occurs before any inspection or maintenance work begins, ensuring the open state is maintained without requiring continuous manual holding
2Ease of operation
If the opening/closing portion is held open with one hand to perform work with the other hand, then inspection and maintenance can be performed, but the operator's efficiency and workability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism serves itself by automatically maintaining the open state without requiring the operator's continuous intervention. Once the opening/closing region is folded back and locked, the system autonomously maintains this state throughout the inspection or maintenance process
Solution Approach 2:
The locking action is performed in advance when the opening/closing region is folded back, before the actual inspection or maintenance work begins. This preliminary locking frees both of the operator's hands for the subsequent work
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover completely covers the object for sound insulation and vibration suppression, then the noise prevention effectiveness is improved, but the object cannot be accessed for inspection or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into a fixed portion and an opening/closing region that can be independently manipulated. The opening/closing region can be folded back and locked to expose specific portions of the object while the rest of the cover remains in place to maintain sound insulation and vibration suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The cover provides different functionality to different regions: the fixed portion maintains sound insulation and vibration suppression, while the opening/closing region provides localized access for inspection and maintenance. This local differentiation allows both noise prevention and accessibility to coexist
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 cover maintains a reliable covered state with improved workability, enabling inspection and maintenance tasks while preventing sound transmission and vibration, with a simple and effective locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a first cover body made of elastomer and integrally including a first locking portion on a first end edge; and a second cover body made of elastomer and integrally including a second locking portion that is lockable to the first locking portion
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A cover (1) can cover an object by locking first locking portions (20A, 20B) and second locking portions (30A, 30B) to each other, while a lower end edge (7) of a first cover body (2) and an upper end edge (11) of a second cover body (3) abut. The first cover body includes a pair of first slits (40) formed on both sides of the first locking portion (20B) and extending in a direction intersecting the lower end edge starting from the lower end edge, and a hole (9) provided on the terminal end side of the first slits. The cover can partially expose the object by locking the first locking portion to the hole, while an opening/closing region (42) having the first locking portion and sandwiched between the first slits is folded back to the side of the terminal ends (41) of the first slits along the first slits.