Segmented Hinge Mechanism for Musical Instrument Case Stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional musical instrument cases with hinges require a large minimum distance to stand upright, which is impractical for small stages or playing areas.
Innovation Solution
A musical instrument case design featuring a hinge with four plates and three axles, allowing the lid to rotate over 270 degrees, reducing the space required for standing and minimizing the case's footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional hinge with a large bracket is used to encompass the thickness of the case, then the case can stand upright, but the minimum distance required for standing up increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple segments including a first hinge portion, second hinge portion, third hinge portion, and fourth hinge portion connected by hinge axles. This segmentation allows the lid to rotate through a greater range of motion (over 270 degrees) while reducing the minimum standing distance required, as each segment contributes to the overall rotational capability rather than requiring a single large bracket.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge design enables dynamic rotation of the lid through multiple portions and axles, allowing the case to transition from a closed position to an open standing position with a rotation exceeding 270 degrees. This dynamic multi-axis rotation system replaces the static large bracket approach, achieving stability with a smaller footprint.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a large bracket is used to enable the case to stand upright, then the case achieves stability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single large complex bracket, the hinge is segmented into multiple simpler portions (first, second, third, and fourth hinge portions) connected by axles. Each portion is relatively simple in structure, but their combination achieves the required stability and rotational capability, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If the hinge allows rotation over 270 degrees, then the case footprint is minimized, but the hinge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-segmented hinge structure with four distinct hinge portions and multiple axles enables the lid to rotate through over 270 degrees. This segmentation distributes the rotational movement across multiple joints, achieving a minimized case footprint while keeping each individual hinge portion relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge system utilizes multi-axis rotation, transitioning from simple single-axis hinges to a more complex spatial arrangement of rotation axes. This dimensional approach allows the lid to move through a greater angular range (over 270 degrees) and reduces the case footprint by utilizing three-dimensional rotational space rather than confined planar movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A musical instrument carrying case having a receptacle and a lid is disclosed herein. The carrying case has a hinge that allows the lid to rotate around behind the receptacle to create an instrument stand. The hinge has at least four plates and three axles, including a free axle that permits the hinge to collapse together, resulting in a shortened distance between the lid and receptacle when in an open position.