Hinged Panel Structure for Hidden Water Tank Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panels for hidden water tanks require complete detachment for maintenance, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A panel structure with a hinged connection between the panel body and the panel mounting frame, allowing the panel body to be flipped open for maintenance without detaching the entire panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the panel is fixed to the water tank using buckles or screws, then the panel is securely attached, but the entire panel must be detached for maintenance which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConvenience of panel access for maintenanceVSAvoidPanel attachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The panel is divided into two functional parts: a fixed mounting frame that remains attached to the water tank, and a movable panel body that can be opened and closed. This segmentation allows the panel body to be accessed for maintenance without detaching the entire panel assembly, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and maintenance convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel body is transformed from a static fixed component to a dynamic movable component through the hinge connection. This allows the panel body to rotate between closed (for normal operation) and open (for maintenance) positions, enabling easy access to the water tank without complete detachment while maintaining secure attachment through the fixed mounting frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the panel body is made movable for easy maintenance access, then maintenance convenience is improved, but the panel may open automatically when not needed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMaintenance access convenienceVSAvoidPanel closed position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A buckle-slot locking mechanism serves as an intermediary between the movable panel body and the fixed mounting frame. The buckle on the panel body engages with the slot on the mounting frame to provide positive locking in the closed position, preventing automatic opening while allowing easy manual opening for maintenance. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction between movability and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates easy access to the hidden water tank for maintenance while maintaining the panel's closed position for normal operation, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

One end of the panel body is connected to the panel mounting frame by means of a hinge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

the other end of the panel body is clamped with the panel mounting frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS20250067097A1Panel structure for a hidden water tank

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 KOHLER CHINA INVESTMENT

AI summary

A panel structure for a hidden water tank includes: a panel mounting frame configured to be connected to a water tank body; a panel body disposed on an outer side of the panel mounting frame and configured to be opened and closed relative to the panel mounting frame; and a hinge configured to connect a first end of the panel body to the panel mounting frame. A second end of the panel body is connected to the panel mounting frame.