Lid Opening Mechanism with Pivot Arm for Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid opening/closing mechanisms for storage devices face challenges in reducing production costs and require significant space for complex configurations, limiting design flexibility and operability.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanism using an arm pivotally supported on a base body with a control member that slides in a guide portion, allowing the lid to switch between open and closed positions by aligning support axes in a straight line, eliminating the need for complex engagement mechanisms and reducing protrusion, with an urging device and damping system for improved usability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex engagement mechanism (rack and gear, guide groove and slide portion) is used to control lid opening/closing trajectory, then the lid can turn while approaching the base body as close as possible, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex engagement mechanisms (rack portions, gear portions, guide grooves, slide portions) from the system. Instead of using these separate controlling components, the invention uses a simplified arm mechanism with pivot support portions that directly control the lid trajectory through geometric relationships, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The arm mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the lid, controls the opening/closing trajectory, and provides the turning motion without requiring separate dedicated components for each function. The pivot support portions collectively manage the complex motion paths that previously required multiple specialized engagement mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If a complex engagement mechanism with multiple components (base arm, control arm, support body, cam portion) is used, then the lid can be switched between open and closed positions with controlled trajectory, but the space required on the base body side increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the base arm, control arm, support body, and cam portion into a single integrated arm mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate components and their associated mounting spaces, reducing the overall space required on the base body side while maintaining the ability to control lid position and trajectory
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified arm mechanism is used, then production costs are reduced and design flexibility is enhanced, but the lid must maintain a low height in the open position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic arm mechanism where the second axis support portion moves forward by the turn of the arm around the first axis support portion. This dynamic motion allows the lid to maintain a low height in the open position while still achieving full opening functionality, whereas a static pivot mechanism would require greater height clearance
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 reduces production costs, enhances design flexibility, and improves operability by maintaining a low height in the open position while providing stable and smooth lid operation, eliminating the need for locking mechanisms and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an urging device which comprises a coil spring that urges the control member in a direction in which the protrusion from the base body is reduced
Implementation Method 2
a damping device that damps a slide of the control member
Data Source
AI summary
A lid opening/closing mechanism switches a lid between a closed position closing an opening portion of a box-like base body, and an open position opening the opening portion. A distinct point is to include an arm allowing a tip side to turn to a front of the base body as a support point on a base end side pivotally supported at the base body by a first axis support portion, and connected to the lid turnably by a second axis support portion. The lid is turned in an opening direction or a closing direction in association with a turn of the arm.