Hatch Panel Actuator with Damping Rack Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for opening hatch panels in vertical and horizontal paths, particularly in narrow sections like triangular pylons or tower cranes, are either not adapted for narrow paths or imperfectly manage user maneuvering, especially when the panel is opened from a horizontal position.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plate articulated around a lateral horizontal axis, featuring a pusher with a depression pad and a rack meshing with a toothed sector, allowing the panel to pivot and fold smoothly, incorporating a damping member to prevent sudden closure and ensure user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional chain and pulley system is used to operate the hatch panel, then the panel can be opened from below, but the device complexity increases and the operation becomes less efficient for users on horizontal paths
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of panel operation from complex chain-and-pulley systems and implements it through a simplified pusher-rack-toothed sector mechanism. The pusher acts directly on the panel to initiate opening, while the rack and toothed sector provide mechanical advantage and controlled movement, eliminating unnecessary intermediate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pulling the panel open from below using chains and pulleys, the invention pushes the panel open from above using a vertical pusher. This inverted approach allows users on horizontal paths to easily operate the hatch by simply pushing down on the pusher, which then translates this downward force into panel opening through the rack and toothed sector mechanism.
2Productivity
If the panel closes quickly to ensure rapid passage, then productivity increases, but the risk of damaging user equipment and clothing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a damping member in the return mechanism that provides controlled resistance during panel closure. This damping element acts as a cushion, slowing down the closing speed to prevent damage to user equipment and clothing while still allowing the panel to return to its closed position efficiently after opening.
3Ease of operation
If the pusher is positioned close to the panel for efficient operation, then ease of operation improves, but the risk of the pusher contacting the user's feet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention positions the pusher in a vertical dimension above the panel, rather than horizontally adjacent to it. This vertical positioning allows the pusher to be close to the panel for efficient operation while being elevated above the user's foot level, eliminating the risk of contact between the pusher and user's feet during operation.
4Reliability
If a return member is added to ensure panel folding, then reliability improves, but the resistance to manual opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return member provides just enough force to ensure the panel returns to its folded closed position, without creating excessive resistance during the initial opening phase. The damping member modulates this return force to be progressive - low at the start of opening and higher at the end - allowing easy initial opening while ensuring reliable closure.
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
Enables safe and efficient opening and closing of hatch panels, preventing damage to user equipment and ensuring comfortable passage by adjusting the speed of panel closure, suitable for various path configurations including triangular sections.
Implementation Method 1
the means for operating the hatch panel can be arranged to form an assembly that can be factory-assembled and supplied ready to install
Data Source
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AI summary
Operating device for opening a panel (3) for closing a passage opening in a fixed structure (2) equipped with a ladder (1) to allow the vertical passage of a user, to which structure the panel (3) is articulated, around a lateral horizontal axis (4) substantially tangent to the vertical passage, so that it can be lifted by pivoting around this axis from its state of closing this passage opening.A plate (6) is attached to the structure (1,2), a pusher (11) carried to slide vertically by the plate between a high position and a low position against a member of its return to the high position, the upper end of which has a sinking pad (12) located always above the panel (3) and the lower part of which, extending below the panel, is associated with a rack (8) meshing with a toothed sector (14) mounted pivotally on the plate (6) and offering a pivot point (16) for at least one connecting rod (15) of this toothed sector (14) to the lower face of the panel (3).