Detachable Hinge Bearing Reinforcement Against U-Shaped Opening Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bearing units in electronic devices, such as kitchen printers, deform due to external forces like large loads or impacts, especially when the lid is opened or closed, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcing unit is integrated into the hinge mechanism to prevent deformation of the bearing unit by abutting against the bearing end portion when external forces are applied, using a detachable U-shaped bearing unit and a reinforcing structure that includes fixed and protruding metal plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a bearing unit with a U-shaped opening is used to support the shaft unit in a detachable manner, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the bearing unit becomes vulnerable to deformation under external force
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing unit is divided into a body portion and a separate reinforcing portion that can be assembled independently. The shaft unit fits into the U-shaped opening of the bearing body, while the reinforcing portion is attached to provide additional support without interfering with the detachable assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing portion is positioned asymmetrically on the bearing unit, specifically at the location most susceptible to external force. This asymmetric reinforcement targets the weak point of the U-shaped opening without adding unnecessary complexity to the entire structure.
2Ease of operation
If the lid body is made openable and closable via the hinge unit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the bearing unit is exposed to external forces causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing portion is pre-installed on the bearing unit to provide protective support before the lid is operated. This reinforcement acts as a cushioning element that prevents deformation from occurring in the first place, rather than correcting deformation after it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing portion converts the potential harmful effect of external force into a beneficial distribution of stress. By providing an additional structural element, the external force is distributed across both the bearing body and the reinforcing portion, preventing concentrated stress that would cause deformation.
3Ease of repair
If the shaft unit is fitted in a detachable manner to the bearing unit, then the ease of repair is improved, but the structural stability under load is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing portion is merged with the bearing unit structure to create a composite support system. This merged structure maintains the detachable interface for the shaft unit while providing enhanced structural stability through the combined geometry of the bearing body and reinforcing portion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a housing unit (11), a hinge unit (13), and a lid body (12) configured to be provided on the housing unit (11) in an openable and closable manner via the hinge unit (13), wherein the hinge unit (13) includes: a shaft unit (21) configured to serve as a rotating shaft when the lid body (12) is opened/closed with respect to the housing unit (11); a bearing unit (22) configured to have a U-shaped opening to which the shaft unit (21) is fitted in a detachable manner; and a reinforcing unit (14) configured to abut, when external force that causes deformation in a widening direction of the U-shaped opening of the bearing unit (22) is applied to the bearing unit (22), against the bearing unit (22) to which the external force is applied. Thereby deformation of the bearing unit is prevented.