Multi-Modal Enclosure Hinge for Bidirectional Cover Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosures with hinged doors or covers often face challenges in accessing components due to the handedness of the hinges, which can be inconvenient when the opening side is obstructed, and there is a need for improved access capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional hinge system with rotatable bolts that allow the cover to open left or right, lock in place, or be removable, featuring hinge pins, bolts, and bolt capture blocks with locking mechanisms for secure and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hinged door is used in an enclosure, then the door can be opened to access components, but the door can only open in one direction which is inconvenient when the opening side is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock the door in a closed position, allow the door to swing open to the left, allow the door to swing open to the right, and enable complete removal of the door. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the single hinge system adaptable to various operational needs including bidirectional opening when installation space is constrained
2Stability of the object's composition
If a hinged door system is used, then the door remains attached to the chassis, but access to components may be challenged depending on installation location
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system transitions from a static fixed attachment to a dynamic system that can adapt its configuration. The door can be locked in place for stability, swung open bidirectionally for access, or completely removed if needed. The locking mechanism allows the system to switch between stable attached state and accessible open state, resolving the contradiction between attachment stability and operational ease
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hinge pins are positioned at different sides of the opening, then the cover can be rotatable about different hinge pins, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hinge pins (first hinge pin and second hinge pin positioned at opposite sides) into a single integrated hinge system. Rather than treating them as separate complex mechanisms, they are merged into one unified structure with coordinated locking bolts, achieving bidirectional rotation capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure may include a chassis having an opening therein, and a plurality of hinge pins coupled to the chassis adjacent the opening, with at least one first hinge pin positioned adjacent a first side of the opening and at least one second hinge pin positioned adjacent a second side of the opening opposite the first side. The enclosure may further include a cover for the opening, and a plurality of bolts rotatably carried by the cover. Each bolt may be aligned with a respective hinge pin when the cover is positioned over the opening in the chassis, and each bolt being rotatable between locked and unlocked positions with respect to its corresponding hinge pin such that the cover may be selectively rotatable about the first hinge pin(s), the second hinge pin(s), or removed from the chassis.