Hinge Device Pin Locking Mechanism for Assembly Simplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hinge devices for mounting opening/closing members on fixed members, such as armrests and lids, require complex operations and unfavorable assembly workability due to the need for individual screw fixation.

Innovation Solution

The proposed opening/closing device incorporates a hinge device with a case having axis holes that engage inner wall portions, pressure contact members, and a spring, allowing the pin members to be inserted and locked into pin supporting holes and insertion holes from the outer sides, eliminating the need for screw fixation and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If individual screw fixation is used to mount the hinge device, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity increases and assembly workability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated hinge device structure. The hinge device incorporates both the rotational hinge function and the locking/fastening function in one unified component that spans between the first and second members, eliminating the need for separate screw fixation operations while maintaining strong connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge device is pre-assembled with all necessary fastening elements and structural components integrated before installation. This preliminary integration of the hinge mechanism and fastening features allows the entire assembly to be installed as a single unit, avoiding complex step-by-step screw fixation during the final assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If individual screw fixation is used to mount the hinge device, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the assembly time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidassembly productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge device merges the hinge mechanism and fastening system into a single integrated component that performs both rotational movement and secure mounting functions simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of assembly steps and fastening operations required while maintaining reliable mounting through the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge device is designed as a segmented modular component that can be installed as a complete functional unit. The first member, second member, and hinge mechanism are configured to work together as an integrated assembly, allowing for efficient installation while maintaining mounting reliability through the coordinated design of its segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If complex assembly operations are used to fix the hinge device, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge device combines the hinge mechanism and structural fastening elements into a single integrated component. This unified structure provides inherent structural stability through its design while simplifying assembly operations, as the entire hinge assembly with its stabilizing features can be installed in one operation rather than through multiple complex fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design improves assembly workability by enabling easy mounting of the opening/closing member on the fixed member through a straightforward process, reducing operational complexity and enhancing the ease of assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a spring arranged to press to bring the pressure contact members into contact with inner surfaces of the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9731655B2Opening/closing device
Publication Date: 2017.08.15 PIOLAX INC
  • US9731655B2 patent drawing
  • US9731655B2 patent drawing
  • US9731655B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An opening/closing device includes a fixed member, an opening/closing member, and a hinge device. The fixed member has inside wall sections and pin insertion holes. The opening/closing member has outside wall sections and pin supporting holes. The hinge device has a case that is inserted and held between the inside wall sections, pressing members that are disposed inside the case and are capable of rotating, a spring disposed between the pressing members, and pin members that are inserted through the pin supporting holes and the pin insertion holes and engage with the pressing members. The pin members are inserted through the pin supporting holes and the pin insertion holes from the outside of the outside wall sections.