Hinge Mechanism Snap-Fit Assembly Without Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge mechanisms for image forming apparatuses require screwing processes, making assembly complex and increasing manufacturing costs, as they necessitate multiple assembly steps and tools.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism featuring cantilever-shaped regulating stoppers that allow for assembly and disassembly without screws, by applying forces intersecting with the shafts' direction, enabling easy fitting and secure attachment of shafts to shaft receiving units, reducing assembly processes and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw process is used to prevent separation of shaft from shaft receiving unit, then the connection is secure, but the number of assembly processes increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the screw fastening process from the assembly system, replacing it with a snap-fit mechanism where the shaft is directly inserted into the shaft receiving unit. The regulating stopper prevents separation without requiring screws, thus eliminating the complex screw assembly process while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft receiving unit is designed with an integrated regulating stopper that automatically prevents separation of the shaft. The stopper is formed as part of the shaft receiving unit structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and simplifying the assembly process to a single insertion action.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple assembly steps are used to ensure proper fitting, then the assembly precision is high, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating stopper is pre-formed as an integral part of the shaft receiving unit during molding, with its position and shape precisely determined in advance. This preliminary formation ensures that when the shaft is inserted, the stopper automatically engages at the correct position, guaranteeing assembly precision without requiring multiple adjustment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft receiving unit is segmented into functional zones: the shaft insertion path, the regulating stopper region, and the body portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the stopper providing precise positioning and separation prevention simultaneously, reducing assembly to a single coordinated action.
3Device complexity
If a simple insertion method is used without screws, then the assembly process is simplified, but the separation prevention capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating stopper is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to dynamically adapt during assembly. When the shaft is inserted, the stopper elastically deforms to accommodate the insertion force, then returns to its original shape to firmly engage with the shaft, providing secure separation prevention through elastic retention force rather than rigid mechanical fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper's geometric parameters (length, thickness, curvature) are optimized to provide the right balance between ease of insertion and separation prevention. By carefully controlling the stopper's dimensions and material properties, the design achieves strong retention force through elastic deformation, preventing separation without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
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
The mechanism simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for tools, reduces assembly steps, ensures secure attachment, and disperses external forces to prevent damage, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
when a force in a third direction intersected with the second direction is applied at the other end portion of the regulating stopper, the other end portion of the regulating stopper is bent from a position where the other end portion of the regulating stopper contacts with the regulated unit to a position where the other end portion of the regulating stopper does not contact with the regulated unit
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge mechanism, which connects a first member and a second member, comprising: a plurality of bases, a plurality of shafts, which are provided at the plurality of bases one by one, and protrude from the bases, a plurality of shaft receiving units, which are provided in the second member, and include shaft holes into which the shafts are rotatably fitted, respectively, and a regulating stopper, wherein when a force is applied at the regulating stopper, the regulating stopper is bent from a position where the regulating stopper contacts with a regulated unit to a position where the regulating stopper does not contact with the regulated unit.