Hinge Mechanism for Compact Automation Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic assemblies in automation technology require complex and expensive axle bodies for torque, occupying excessive installation space, making it difficult to route flexible flat cables effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism utilizing a spring element with shaft supports that generates torque through interaction with a shaft, allowing for reduced space usage and direct routing of flexible flat cables, featuring a first counter-plate with a pin and a second counter-plate with a recess, and a tensioner for guiding the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a complex axle body is used to generate torque on the movable cover, then the torque requirement is met, but the installation space becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a first hinge part with counter tabs and pins, a second hinge part with tabs and a shaft, and a spring element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall space requirement compared to a monolithic axle body while maintaining the necessary torque generation capability through the spring element's interaction with the segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is positioned to surround the shaft, creating a nested configuration where the spring element (which generates torque) encloses the shaft (which provides the rotation axis). This nesting allows the torque-generating mechanism to be compact and integrated around the rotational element, significantly reducing the installation space compared to external axle bodies.
2Force
If a complex axle body is used for torque generation, then the torque is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the hinge into separate, simpler components (counter tabs, pins, shaft, spring element) enables each part to be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes rather than requiring the complex machining of a single integrated axle body. The segmented design allows for easier production and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves as a simple, inexpensive torque-generating component that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach replaces expensive, complex axle bodies with a simpler, more economical spring-based mechanism that achieves the same functional result at lower cost.
3Force
If excessive installation space is allocated for the axle body, then torque is achieved, but cable routing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element surrounding the shaft creates a compact, integrated hinge assembly that frees up installation space. This additional space enables the flexible flat cable to be routed directly through the pivot point in a straightforward manner, eliminating the need for complex looping around the pivot point and simplifying cable management.
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 solution reduces installation space requirements, simplifies assembly, and enables flexible flat cable routing without looping, ensuring length compensation and secure cable guidance, thereby enhancing assembly efficiency and automation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element is arranged in the first hinge part, wherein the spring element surrounds the shaft, wherein the spring element is designed to generate a torque when opening the cover
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
In order to achieve a constructive improvement in the installation space for a hinge in an electronic assembly (1) for automation technology, it is proposed to provide a first tab (21) and a second tab (22) in a cover (4) to form a hinge part (12), wherein a shaft (20) is arranged in the first tab (21) in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein a first hinge part (11) has a first counter tab (23) and a second counter tab (24), and the first counter tab (23) has a first pin (25) which is arranged in a bore (26) of the shaft (20), furthermore the second counter tab (24) has a recess (27) in which a second pin (28) of the second tab (22) is arranged, wherein a spring element (30) is arranged in the first hinge part (11), wherein the spring element (30) surrounds the shaft (20).wherein the spring element (30) is designed to generate a torque (11) when opening the cover (4) and to achieve open positions such that it has a first shaft support (31) and a second shaft support (32) which, depending on the position of the cover (4), exert pressure on the shaft (20) or engage in recesses (33, 34, 35, 36) in the shaft (20).