Operation Panel Hinge Structure to Prevent Screw Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices, such as those used in eyeglass frames, face challenges in maintaining proper surface contact and rotational torque alignment, leading to potential loosening issues when used to connect operation panels to image forming apparatuses, requiring a novel solution to prevent screw member loosening during pivoting operations.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device with a fixed member, pivotable member, and a rotation restricting washer that prevents the second screw member from rotating with the operation panel by restricting the turning of the rotation restricting washer relative to the support plate portion, ensuring proper alignment and torque distribution through a configuration that includes a restricting piece and receiving portion, along with friction and spring washers for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a sleeve of the second bracket is held in the groove in the first bracket, then the hinge structure can be compact, but the sliding faces contact in an oblique state making it difficult to bring the entire areas into contact and appropriately set rotational torque
Solution Approach 1:
A rotation restricting washer is introduced as an intermediary component between the first bracket and second bracket. This washer includes a restricting piece that fits into a receiving portion of the other bracket, preventing relative rotation between the brackets while allowing the sliding faces to maintain proper contact without oblique alignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the first bracket, second bracket, and a separate rotation restricting washer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the rotation restricting washer specifically addressing the rotational control issue without interfering with the sliding contact between the brackets.
2Manufacturing precision
If the fixed member and pivotable member are disposed such that two plate-like portions are aligned in the axial direction, then rotational torque can be appropriately set, but loosening due to co-rotation of the screw member must be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restricting washer acts as a mediator between the aligned plate-like portions of the brackets and the screw member. It prevents the screw member from co-rotating during pivoting operations while maintaining the proper alignment and rotational torque characteristics of the plate-like portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation restricting washer is pre-installed on the screw member before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures that when the brackets are aligned and fastened, the washer is already in position to prevent co-rotation and loosening, without interfering with the initial alignment and torque setting of the plate-like portions.
3Reliability
If a rotation restricting washer is disposed between the movable plate portion and the bearing face of the second screw member, then loosening of the screw member can be prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restricting washer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents screw member loosening by restricting rotation, maintains proper alignment between brackets, and allows the hinge to pivot smoothly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation restricting function is merged into a single washer component that combines rotational restriction features with bearing surface characteristics. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate rotation prevention mechanisms and bearing surfaces, reducing overall structural complexity while achieving the desired reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge device according to the present invention includes a pivotable member pivotable relative to a fixed member around a first screw member or a second screw member serving as a pivot shaft. A rotation restricting washer is disposed between a movable plate portion of the pivotable member and a bearing face of the second screw member. The rotation restricting washer is disposed non-turnably relative to a support plate portion of the fixed member by fitting a restricting piece disposed on one of the support plate portion and the rotation restricting washer into a receiving portion disposed on the other one of the support plate portion and the rotation restricting washer.