Lid Positioner Damping Mechanism for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lid adjusters lack effective damping mechanisms, leading to undesirable noises when the lid hits the container during closure and inadequate control over the closing movement.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a damping element that opposes the tightening torque and provides a damping moment, acting on the second arm over part of its pivoting path, combined with an energy accumulator that generates a force accumulator, which is supported indirectly via a transmission unit, allowing for parallel force lines of action and reduced component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a damping element is added to dampen the closing movement, then noise from lid striking container is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise from lid striking containerVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping element is integrated into the existing arm structure, merging the damping function with the supporting structure. The damping element is arranged between the first arm and the second arm, utilizing the space already present in the hinge mechanism, thereby adding the damping function without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping element is nested within the structure formed by the first arm and second arm. The damping element is positioned in the region between these arms, effectively utilizing the existing structural space and avoiding the need for additional external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Force

If the energy accumulator acts over a larger pivoting path, then opening force is improved, but the closing torque control becomes less precise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening forceVSAvoidclosing torque control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The energy accumulator is designed to act selectively over specific portions of the pivoting path rather than uniformly across the entire range. The accumulator's action is localized to provide enhanced opening force where needed, while allowing precise closing torque control in other regions through the damping element's targeted intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The energy accumulator provides excessive opening force over a portion of the pivoting path to ensure reliable lid opening, while the damping element compensates by providing precise closing torque control over the relevant portion of the closing path, achieving partial action where precision is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If the damping element is supported indirectly via transmission unit, then component count is reduced, but force transmission complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent countVSAvoidforce transmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing connection between the first arm and second arm, which already provides mechanical support and motion transmission, is utilized to also transmit the damping force. The damping element leverages the existing transmission path, making the transmission unit serve multiple functions: structural support, motion transmission, and damping force transmission, thereby reducing component count without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 damping element effectively dampens the closing movement, preventing the lid from striking the container and ensuring smooth operation by slowing down the closing speed, thus preventing noise and ensuring secure lid positioning.

Implementation Method 1

The energy accumulator (4) comprises spring means, in particular at least one compression spring (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a damping element (10) is provided which is effective at least over part of the pivoting path of the second arm (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2251514B8Lid positioner
Publication Date: 2012.02.29 HUWIL BUTORIPARI & UZLETBERENDEZESI RENDSZEREK

AI summary

The positioner has an arm (2) pivotably connected with another arm (1) between an open position and a closed position around a pivotable axis (S1). The latter arm is pivotably connected with a connection element (3) around another pivotable axis. An energy storage (4) is operated between the arms. A damping element (10) is operated against the latter arm over a part of a pivotal path swing path of the former arm and operated against the connection element between the former arm and the connection element over a part of a swing path of the latter arm.