Curved-Arm Pantograph Showcase for Concealed Lift Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Museum showcases face challenges in minimizing space occupation by actuation systems while ensuring adequate opening for easy access and maintenance, as existing pantograph mechanisms and their systems often occupy significant space and are not fully concealed when closed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pantograph mechanisms with lower arms having a curvilinear configuration that house the actuation systems, allowing these systems to be concealed and reducing the overall footprint by closing over them when the showcase is closed, thus optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pantograph mechanisms with actuation systems are placed in the showcase base, then the bell can be lifted effectively, but the space occupation increases and the mechanisms become visible when closed
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is nested within the lower arms of the pantograph mechanism. The motor and transmission components are housed inside the hollow lower arms, allowing the actuation system to be integrated within the lifting mechanism itself rather than occupying separate space in the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower arms are given a curvilinear configuration with concave inner surfaces that create three-dimensional space for housing the actuation system. This transforms the lower arms from simple structural elements into multi-functional components that provide both lifting capability and accommodation for the motor.
2Shape
If actuation systems are placed in lateral end regions of the base, then they are concealed when closed, but the space for mechanism operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism and actuation system are merged into a single integrated unit. The pantograph mechanism with its curvilinear lower arms combines the structural lifting function with the actuation housing function, eliminating the need for separate lateral end region placement.
3Device complexity
If lower arms have straight configuration, then the structure is simple, but the actuation system cannot be concealed within the arms
Solution Approach 1:
The lower arms feature a curvilinear configuration with concave inner surfaces instead of straight edges. This curvature creates internal volume for housing the actuation system while maintaining structural integrity and lifting functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
This showcase (10) for the preservation and display of objects in a protected environment, comprises a bell (26), a base (20) and pantograph mechanisms (35) housed in lateral end regions (39) of the base (20) and formed by arms (80), pairs of arms (36) and lower arms (37; 38), the latter with a curvilinear configuration. The pantograph mechanisms (35) are actuated by actuation systems (60) housed at the bottom of the lateral end regions (39) of the base (20). The showcase (10) ensures an easier recovery of the space otherwise occupied by the actuation systems (60) and at the same time an appropriate opening of the showcase (10).