Enclosed Hinge Center-Alignment Mechanism for Rotational Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing enclosed hinge structures require precise alignment of axle holes to insert the axial member, leading to complex assembly and potential structural instability due to rotational shaking.

Innovation Solution

A readily center-aligned mechanism using protruded blocks in a locking retainer engaged with notch grooves of an arresting part, allowing easy insertion of the pivotal axle and enhancing structural strength by securing the enclosing, arresting, and locking retainer components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If precise alignment of axle holes is required for insertion, then the axial member can be securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking retainer with protruded blocks and the arresting part with notch grooves create a self-aligning mechanism. When the pivotal axle is inserted, the protruded blocks automatically engage with the notch grooves without requiring precise pre-alignment of all axle holes, allowing the assembly to self-correct and secure itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking retainer acts as an intermediary component between the pivotal axle and the enclosing structure. The protruded blocks on the locking retainer mediate the connection by engaging with the notch grooves of the arresting part, facilitating easy insertion while ensuring secure fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional securing methods are used, then the structure can be assembled, but rotational shaking occurs due to insufficient structural strength

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveassemblyVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The protruded blocks are pre-positioned on the locking retainer and the notch grooves are pre-formed on the arresting part. This preliminary configuration ensures that when assembly occurs, the components are already positioned to provide maximum structural strength and prevent rotational shaking, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If multiple components are secured together, then structural strength is enhanced, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking retainer integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides positioning through protruded blocks, securing through engagement with the arresting part, and structural reinforcement. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate alignment fixtures and additional securing components, maintaining strength while simplifying the overall assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7987557B2Enclosed hinge device with a readily center-aligned mechanism

Publication Date: 2011.08.02 JARLLYTEC CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention discloses an enclosed hinge device with a readily center-aligned mechanism, employing two protruded blocks of a locking retainer engaged into and fastened with two notch grooves of an arresting part to form two positioning points, such that the locking retainer and the arresting part are not slidable therebetween along with the advantage of easy assembly. Further, the securingly connection between the enclosing part, the arresting part, and the locking retainer also enhances the structural strength, thereby reducing the rotational shaking of the pivotal axle.