Hinged Cover Structure With Stable Open and Closed Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover structures for electric modules in electrical installations lack the ability to maintain a stable open and closed position, are not suitable for typical installations, and are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A cover structure with a hinged support frame and a resilient element having a C-shaped deformable portion and parallel abutment portions that maintain the cover in stable open and closed positions through varying curvature during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is hinged to the support frame with resilient elements to keep it closed, then the electric modules are protected from external agents, but the cover cannot be easily kept in an open position for accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element is designed to dynamically change its mechanical behavior based on the cover's position. It provides a closing force when the cover is in the closed position or transitioning to it, but allows the cover to be held in the open position when an intermediate element engages with the support frame, creating two stable equilibrium states
2Device complexity
If resilient elements are used to keep the cover closed, then the cover structure is simple, but the cover cannot maintain a stable open position
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static resilient element to a dynamic system where the resilient element's effect varies with position. The intermediate element acts as a position-dependent modifier that engages with the support frame to create a second stable position, allowing the cover to be reliably held open without adding complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate element is introduced as a mediator between the cover and the support frame. This element engages with a corresponding structure on the support frame when the cover is in the open position, providing the necessary mechanical support to maintain stability without requiring complex resilient elements or multiple springs
3Reliability
If existing resilient element solutions are used, then the cover can be kept closed, but they are not suitable for typical electrical installations and have high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed with dual functionality: it provides structural support for the electric modules and simultaneously incorporates engagement features for the intermediate element. This allows the same component to serve both as a mounting structure and as part of the position-maintenance mechanism, making the system adaptable to typical electrical installation standards without requiring specialized housings or additional mounting hardware
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 structure provides stable open and closed positions with a simple, compact, and economical design suitable for typical electrical installations.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element (3) which urges the cover (2) so as to close
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3
AI summary
A cover structure comprises a support frame for electric modules, a cover which is hinged to the support frame, a resilient element comprising a first abutment portion and a second abutment portion and a deformable portion. The abutment portions abut the support frame and the cover, respectively, in correspondence of respective seats. The abutment portions together with the seats define respective contact points of the resilient element on the support frame and on the cover. The cover is rotatable between a closed position and an open position by passing through an intermediate position in which the contact points and the hinging axis are aligned and the contact points are at a distance from each other less than the distance of the closed position and the open position.