Guided Hinge Linkage for Controlled Case Closing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing upper unit case opening and closing apparatuses are complex and large due to the need for numerous components, including gas springs, which complicates their configuration and size.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a hinge, lower and upper guide members, and an opening/closing linking unit with rotating members and a braking mechanism to simplify and downsize the system, allowing the upper unit case to pivot relative to the lower unit case with controlled movement and reduced component complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gas spring and coil spring are used to control the upper unit case opening and closing, then the closing operation is controlled to prevent sudden closure, but the device complexity and size increase due to the large number of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled closing operationVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the gas spring and coil spring into a single integrated opening/closing linking unit. This linking unit includes a first rotating member connected to the upper unit case, a second rotating member connected to the lower unit case, and a linking portion that connects these rotating members, thereby merging multiple spring-based functions into one compact mechanism that controls both opening and closing operations without requiring separate gas and coil springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The opening/closing linking unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the opening force generator and closing control mechanism. The first and second rotating members with their respective spring members can independently or cooperatively provide opening assistance and closing control, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a gas spring and coil spring are used to control the upper unit case opening and closing, then the closing operation is controlled to prevent sudden closure, but the size of the apparatus increases due to large-sized components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled closing operationVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the gas spring and coil spring into a single integrated opening/closing linking unit. This linking unit includes a first rotating member connected to the upper unit case, a second rotating member connected to the lower unit case, and a linking portion that connects these rotating members, thereby merging multiple spring-based functions into one compact mechanism that controls both opening and closing operations without requiring separate gas and coil springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The opening/closing linking unit is designed with a compact nested structure where the first and second rotating members are positioned adjacent to each other, with the linking portion connecting them in a space-efficient arrangement. The spring members are housed within the structural framework of the linking unit itself, nesting the functional elements within the overall apparatus footprint rather than adding external bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration simplifies and reduces the size of the apparatus, preventing sudden closure and minimizing noise and user safety risks, while also making the opening and closing operations easier and more controlled.

Implementation Method 1

The hinge is configured to connect the upper unit case to the lower unit case such that the upper unit case pivots with respect to the lower unit case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a coil spring is attached to an inner surface of the upper unit case, and when the upper unit case is closed, an end of the coil spring is supported on the lower unit case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20110241511A1Opening and closing apparatus

Publication Date: 2011.10.06 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

The opening and closing apparatus includes a lower unit case, an upper unit case, a hinge, a lower guide member, an upper guide member and an opening/closing linking unit. The upper unit case is configured to open and close with respect to the lower unit case. The lower guide member is disposed in the lower unit case, and the upper guide member is disposed in the upper unit case. The opening/closing linking unit includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member and a linking portion. As the upper unit case is closed, the opening/closing linking unit moves from the base end side toward the distal end side along the upper guide member and the lower guide member.