Hinge Unit Limiting Rotation Angle via Repositionable Stopper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tilt hinge mechanisms require the removal and re-mounting of components to change the movable range, which can lead to component loss during maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A hinge unit with a first member, a second member, a coupling member, a first stopper member, and a limiting member that can be fixed to two positions, allowing the pivotable angle range to be adjusted without removing or mounting components, by bringing the limiting member into contact with the stopper member at one position and maintaining non-contact at another.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a third member (stopper contact portion) is removably mounted to change the operation angle range, then the movable range can be adjusted for different conditions, but the component may be lost during maintenance work

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovable range adjustmentVSAvoidcomponent retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper member is divided into a fixed portion and a movable limiting member. The fixed stopper member remains permanently attached to the first member, while the limiting member can be repositioned along the second member to adjust the movable range without complete removal, preventing component loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting member acts as an intermediary between the fixed stopper member and the pivotable connection. By positioning the limiting member at different locations on the second member, the contact point with the stopper member changes, thereby adjusting the operation angle range without removing the stopper member itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the movable range is reduced by mounting a stopper contact portion, then the upper limit of tilt angle is restricted for register operations, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregister operation comfortVSAvoidhinge structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting member is designed to be repositionable along the second member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the stopper contact position. This enables the system to adapt between different operation modes (register operations with limited range vs. maintenance with full range) without requiring multiple fixed structural configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same hinge structure serves multiple functions by repositioning the limiting member. When positioned at the first location, it provides a limited movable range for register operations. When positioned at the second location, it provides a wider movable range for maintenance work, eliminating the need for different structural configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10294984B2Hinge unit and method for limiting rotation angle of hinge unit

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 STEERETAIL CO LTD

AI summary

A hinge unit includes a first member, a second member, a coupling member, a protrusion fixed to the first member, and a tilt stopper. When the tilt stopper is fixed at a position (P1) of the second member, the tilt stopper and the protrusion are brought into contact with each other, to thereby limit a movable range within a first angle range. When the tilt stopper is fixed at a position (P2) of the second member, the tilt stopper and the protrusion are held in non-contact with each other irrespective of a pivoting angle.