Panel Swivel System Simplified Design Reduces Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panel swivel systems are structurally complex, increasing production costs, weight, and maintenance due to unnecessary components that do not contribute to the coupling mechanism's assembly or function.
Innovation Solution
A simplified panel swivel system comprising a swivel support member with a base portion, a housing subassembly, and a shaft, where the swivel support member includes a raised surface and a securing edge with apertures for attachment to a panel frame, and a housing subassembly with a central aperture aligning with the shaft receiving aperture, allowing for easy assembly and reduced component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional panel swivel systems use structurally complex designs with unnecessary components, then the coupling mechanism can achieve stable panel attachment and rotation, but production costs, weight, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary components from conventional panel swivel systems, retaining only the essential elements needed for panel attachment and rotation. The simplified design eliminates redundant structural elements while maintaining the core functional requirements, thereby reducing complexity without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified coupling mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified structure. The base portion with apertures serves both as the attachment interface and the rotation center, eliminating the need for separate components for each function and reducing overall system complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional panel swivel systems include unnecessary components, then structural stability can be maintained, but manufacturing costs and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary components from the conventional design, retaining only the essential base portion with apertures and the shaft assembly. This reduction in components directly lowers manufacturing costs while the retained essential elements maintain the required structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated base portion structure. The base portion combines attachment features (apertures for fasteners), rotation support (shaft receiving aperture), and structural stability into one component, reducing the total number of parts and manufacturing complexity
3Reliability
If conventional panel swivel systems use complex structural designs, then reliable panel coupling can be achieved, but the weight and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary heavy components from the conventional design, retaining only the essential base portion and shaft assembly. This extraction of redundant elements significantly reduces the overall weight of the coupling mechanism while the retained essential components maintain reliable panel coupling functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for swiveling a panel in relation to a panel frame are described. An exemplar panel swivel system includes a swivel support member, a housing subassembly, and a shaft. The swivel support member includes a base portion that has a first terminating end, a second terminating end, and has defined therein a shaft receiving aperture. The swivel support member further includes a raised surface extending from the first terminating end of the base portion and is designed to contact a top support structure and a securing edge extending from the second terminating end of that base portion, which is designed to contact a side support structure. The housing subassembly extends an elevated distance above the base portion. A central aperture defined in the housing subassembly aligned with the shaft receiving aperture. The shaft extends a shaft length and at least some of the shaft passes through the central aperture and the shaft receiving aperture. The shaft terminates at a panel fitting end that is designed to engage with a panel.