Folding Partition Hinge Panels That Shield Actuation Controls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing movable partitions with actuation devices are prone to damage during operation and storage due to their exposed positions, which can lead to malfunction or destruction when the devices catch on edges or are subjected to physical stress.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates hinge panels with increased width to create compartments that house and protect actuation devices such as rocker switches and button switches, maintaining accessibility while preventing damage by positioning them within the folded structure during retraction and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If actuation devices are mounted on the movable partition for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the devices become exposed to damage and vandalism during operation and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of actuation devicesVSAvoidprotection from damage and vandalism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation devices are nested within compartments formed by the hinge panels. When the partition is retracted, the hinge panels fold over to enclose the actuation devices within protected spaces, similar to how nested dolls contain smaller dolls within larger ones. This nesting approach provides protection while maintaining accessibility when the partition is deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective compartments are dynamic rather than static - they are formed by the hinge panels that move with the partition. When the partition is extended, the compartments open to allow access to actuation devices; when retracted, the hinge panels fold over to enclose and protect them. This dynamic structure adapts the protection level based on the operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If hinge panels are widened to create protective compartments, then protection of actuation devices is improved, but the complexity of the partition structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of actuation devicesVSAvoidpartition structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge panels serve multiple functions: they provide the mechanical hinge connection between panels, and they form the walls of protective compartments for actuation devices. By making the hinge panels wider, the patent combines the structural hinge function with the protective enclosure function, eliminating the need for separate protective housings and reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8668001B2Folding partitions having protected actuation devices and related methods

Publication Date: 2014.03.11 WON DOOR CORP

AI summary

Movable partitions and systems are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having sheets of folding panels. In one embodiment, the movable partition may include at least two hinge panels indirectly connecting adjacent folding panels. The hinge panels may have laterally spaced apart the adjacent folding panels from one another such that a compartment is formed upon retraction or folding of the sheets of folding panels. One or more control devices, such as an actuation device or a display panel, may be mounted on at least one of the hinge panels, or on the panel disposed between hinge panels such that, when the movable partition is in a retracted or folded state, the actuation devices are housed within the compartment.