Hinged User Interface Mount for Unobstructed Service Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface support structures in electro-mechanical systems, such as boilers and hot water heaters, hinder access to internal components during servicing, testing, and installation, as they obstruct the system cabinet and do not allow concurrent interaction with the user interface.
Innovation Solution
A hinge apparatus is designed to mount the user interface to an electro-mechanical system cabinet, allowing the interface frame to be rotatably positioned between a closed operational position and an open position for servicing, enabling unobstructed access to internal components and concurrent interaction with the user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user interface is mounted on the system cabinet using a fixed support structure, then the user interface is securely positioned for operational use, but the user interface obstructs access to internal components during servicing, testing, and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows the user interface to be dynamically repositioned between a closed operational position and an open servicing position. This dynamic configuration enables the interface to be securely mounted during operation while allowing unobstructed access to internal components during maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separate components including a base frame attached to the cabinet and an interface frame that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the interface frame to be rotated away from the cabinet interior, providing clear access paths for servicing while maintaining secure mounting during operation.
2Reliability
If the user interface is accommodated within the internal components of the cabinet, then the user interface is protected, but it hampers service, testing, and installation operations by requiring the control interface to be moved aside
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables the user interface to be dynamically repositioned to an open position during servicing operations, allowing technicians to access the interface without removing or relocating it. This eliminates the time loss associated with moving the interface aside while maintaining protection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface frame is extracted from the fixed cabinet interior and mounted on a movable support structure. This extraction allows the interface to be temporarily positioned away from the work area during servicing, providing clear access to both the interface and internal components without requiring permanent relocation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed support structure is used for the user interface, then the installation is simple, but concurrent access to the user interface and internal components is not possible during servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism provides a simple yet effective solution that maintains installation simplicity while adding adaptability. The interface can be positioned in multiple configurations (closed for operation, open for servicing), enabling concurrent access to both the user interface and internal components during maintenance without complex additional mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge apparatus comprising structure to support a user interface incorporated into the cabinet housing of an electro-mechanical system for improved viewing and interaction with the user interface when the cabinet housing is opened during technician service, while simultaneously not obstructing access to the cabinet interior.