Roto-Translating Glass Showcase Panel for Full Access Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Showcases designed for displaying delicate objects, such as art or cultural heritage, face challenges in maximizing the opening of transparent panels while ensuring secure closure and easy access, especially for large or heavy objects, without compromising the protected environment.
Innovation Solution
The showcase employs an asymmetric quadrilateral linkage system with short and long rods, allowing for a single roto-translation movement of the openable panel, which is pivotal for both opening and closing, ensuring minimal bulk during maneuvering and complete opening of the space, and can be adjusted for varying weights and geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional opening supports (hinges or sliding guides) are used, then the panel can be opened, but the opening width is limited and access to large objects is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The opening support system transitions from static hinges to a dynamic four-bar linkage mechanism that enables roto-translation movement. The linkage allows the panel to rotate and translate simultaneously, dynamically adjusting the opening path to achieve complete removal of the panel from the opening space, thereby maximizing opening width and facilitating access to large objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension of movement by combining rotation and translation in a roto-translation path. Instead of simple rotation around a fixed hinge axis, the panel follows a complex trajectory that includes both rotational and translational components, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to achieve complete opening.
2Illumination intensity
If the panel is made entirely of glass for visibility, then maximum visibility is achieved, but the panel becomes heavy and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The opening support system is designed to counterbalance the weight of the heavy glass panel through its mechanical linkage structure. The four-bar linkage with specifically dimensioned rods and strategic pivot points creates mechanical advantage that reduces the effort required to maneuver the panel, effectively compensating for its weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening support linkage acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the heavy glass panel. Instead of directly lifting or moving the entire panel weight, the operator interacts with the linkage system, which translates small input forces into controlled movement of the heavy panel through its roto-translation path.
3Ease of operation
If complex opening mechanisms are used to achieve wide opening, then access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening support system is segmented into discrete, modular components: multiple rods of specific lengths, pivot points with pins, and connection joints. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the complex roto-translation movement through the coordinated action of simple individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage employs asymmetric rod length configurations (different lengths for various rods) to optimize the roto-translation path. This asymmetric design allows the mechanism to achieve complete panel removal while maintaining compact dimensions and avoiding interference with the showcase structure.
4Volume of moving object
If the panel opens with large movement amplitude, then complete opening is achieved, but the bulk during maneuvering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening support linkage is designed to nest compactly within or adjacent to the showcase structure when not in use. The rods and pivot points are arranged to minimize the envelope volume during the opening sequence, allowing large panel movement without requiring excessive clearance space around the showcase.
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
This design allows for maximum visibility and easy access to large or heavy objects while maintaining a secure, controlled environment, minimizing bulk and ensuring complete opening of the panel, thus addressing the need for efficient and balanced movement and weight distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the opening supports comprise an upper asymmetric quadrilateral and a lower asymmetric quadrilateral having the same geometry, respectively comprising a short upper rod and a long upper rod and a short lower rod and a long lower rod
Implementation Method 2
the short rods are pivoted to the fixed casing at respective first upper and lower aligned short rod pins and the long rods are pivoted to the fixed casing at respective first upper and lower aligned long rod pins
Data Source
AI summary
A showcase for preservation and display of objects. The showcase has a fixed casing and at least one openable panel made of glass, mounted through opening supports on the fixed casing, openable externally towards a first side of the showcase. The opening supports have an upper asymmetric quadrilateral and a lower asymmetric quadrilateral having the same geometry, respectively comprising a short upper rod and a long upper rod and a short lower rod and a long lower rod; the lengths of the short rods are equal to each other, as well as the lengths of the long rods are equal to each other. The opening takes place in a single roto-translation step. The asymmetric quadrilateral system formed by the uneven rods determines a roto-translational movement of the openable panel towards the first side of the showcase, so that the openable panel leaves the opening space completely free.