Mobile cooling box with hinge module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile cooling boxes with pivotally openable lids face challenges in assembly complexity and weight due to the use of multiple components like screws and metal pins, which increase the effort and cost of assembly and overall weight.
Innovation Solution
A cost-efficient and robust hinge construction for the lid of a mobile cooling box, featuring a pin module with a hinge pin and a bearing module, where the pin module is easily mountable without additional components, and a backing plate provides stability and force resistance, allowing the lid to be securely attached and easily removable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hinge arrangements with multiple components (screws, metal pins) are used, then the lid can be securely attached, but the assembly complexity and overall weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pin and backing plate into a single integrated pin module component. This merging eliminates the need for separate screws and multiple parts, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated design that provides both structural support and mounting functionality in one piece
Solution Approach 2:
The pin module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the hinge pin and the mounting component, provides structural support, enables pivoting motion, and integrates the backing plate function. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining reliable lid attachment
2Reliability
If traditional hinge arrangements with multiple components are used, then the lid can be securely attached, but the overall weight of the mobile cooling box increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pin and backing plate into a single pin module, the patent eliminates redundant materials and reduces overall weight. The integrated design removes the need for separate metal pins, screws, and backing plates, thereby reducing the total weight of the hinge assembly while maintaining secure lid attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the traditional hinge arrangement. By removing redundant parts like separate screws and multiple metal components, the design reduces overall weight while retaining the essential functionality of secure lid attachment through the optimized pin module
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional hinge arrangements are used, then the lid can be attached, but additional effort and knowledge are required during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of pin and backing plate into one pin module dramatically reduces assembly effort. Instead of assembling multiple separate components with screws and adjustments, the single integrated module can be installed as one unit, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures and specialized knowledge
Solution Approach 2:
The pin module is designed as a self-contained, self-installing component. The integrated design includes all necessary mounting features and structural elements within a single piece, allowing for straightforward installation without requiring additional parts or complex assembly steps, thereby reducing both effort and knowledge requirements
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional hinge arrangements with multiple parts are used, then the lid can be attached, but the assembling process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components into a single pin module, the patent significantly reduces assembly time. The integrated design eliminates the need to assemble separate pins, backing plates, and screws, allowing for rapid installation that improves manufacturing productivity and reduces labor costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hinge system into modular components where the pin module is a self-contained unit. This segmentation allows the pin module to be pre-assembled and tested independently, then quickly installed as a complete unit, thereby reducing overall assembly time and improving manufacturing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile cooling box having a box main body and at least one lid for opening the box and providing access to the inside of the box. The at least one lid is pivotally attached to the box main body by at least two hinge modules. Each hinge module comprises a pin module having a hinge pin with a front end, a rear end, a longitudinal axis about which the lid is pivotable and predominantly a smooth outer surface of a cylindrical shape. Each hinge module further comprises a bearing module having a hinge bearing accommodating the hinge pin. The hinge pin laterally extends with its front end into the hinge bearing. A bolt portion extends from the rear end of the hinge pin so that so that the pin module is mountable by the bolt portion.