Concealable Support Structure With Flush Rotation and Linear Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealable apparatus assemblies for boards or plates face issues with housing projection during rotation and gaps between the housing and the board or plate, leading to imperfect fitting and the need for additional modifications.
Innovation Solution
A support structure that is both rotatably and linearly receivable in the opening of a board or plate, equipped with guiding means for smooth rotation and linear movement, ensuring a flush fit without gaps and avoiding projection during intermediate positions, using guiding members like slots and pins, and driving means like motors for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support structure is rotatably received in the opening, then the apparatus can be concealed at intermediate angular positions, but the housing projects above the board or plate during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is given dual mobility: rotational movement around the opening and linear movement along the normal direction. This two-dimensional movement space allows the housing to retract completely into the opening during rotation, eliminating projection above the board while maintaining concealment capability at intermediate positions
2Ease of operation
If the housing is made compact for rotation, then rotation is smoother, but gaps appear between the housing and the board or plate at stop positions
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a static fitting problem to a dynamic solution. By allowing linear movement along the normal direction in addition to rotation, the housing can dynamically adjust its position to maintain perfect contact with the board or plate at stop positions, eliminating gaps while preserving rotation smoothness
3Manufacturing precision
If a frame plate is added to cover gaps, then the fitting is improved, but the assembly complexity increases and the flat surface is no longer flush with the board
Solution Approach 1:
The frame plate component is extracted and eliminated from the assembly. Instead of adding a frame plate to cover gaps, the support structure itself is given linear movement capability along the normal direction, allowing it to self-adjust and eliminate gaps without requiring additional components, thus maintaining simplicity and flush alignment
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a concealable apparatus assembly, comprising a support structure (5) supporting an apparatus (M) and rotatably receivable in an opening (1 a) of a board or of a plate (1) so that the apparatus (M) is accessible through said opening (1 a) from a first major surface of the board or plate (1) at a first angular position adopted by said support structure (5), and concealed for other angular positions adopted thereby, the support structure (5) having or supporting a flat surface (2) which remains flush with said first major surface of the board or plate (1) at a second angular position adopted by said support structure (5). The support structure (5) is also linearly receivable in said opening (1 a) so that it can move linearly according to an approaching/distancing direction with respect to the board or plate (1).