Parallel Link Hinge for Translation Door Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge apparatuses in container systems require significant space for door opening due to uneven link lengths, leading to interference and reduced usable inner space, especially when the door is long, making it difficult to open the door fully in narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
The proposed hinge apparatus employs a parallel link mechanism with adjustable links and a rotationally biasing mechanism, allowing the door to open wider by preventing link interference and optimizing the use of space through a housing side and door side adjustment mechanism, and a rotationally biasing means to facilitate smooth opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the door is made long to cover a wider opening, then the door can cover a larger area, but a large space is required in front of the housing for the door to open
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge apparatus employs a dynamic link mechanism where the first and second links rotate relative to each other to change the door's movement trajectory. This allows the door to swing in a controlled arc that reduces the forward space requirement while maintaining adequate coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a multi-dimensional movement mechanism by adding rotational degrees of freedom through the link system. Instead of simple hinged rotation in one plane, the door now moves through a complex path involving multiple rotation centers, effectively utilizing space in multiple dimensions to reduce the footprint in front of the housing.
2Ease of operation
If conventional hinge apparatus is used, then the door can open and close, but the door is inclined or orthogonal with respect to the front surface when open, requiring large space
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge apparatus uses asymmetric link length configuration where the first link and second link have different lengths and are positioned at different orientations. This asymmetric arrangement creates a balanced rotational mechanism that allows the door to open to a predetermined angle while maintaining proper alignment with the front surface, reducing the space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the link mechanism, specifically the lengths and angles of the first and second links, to optimize the door's opening trajectory. By carefully selecting these parameters, the door can open to the desired angle while remaining parallel to the front surface, minimizing the space requirement.
3Area of stationary object
If the hinge apparatus is made compact to reduce space, then less space is occupied, but the support strength of the links may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic link mechanism distributes the support load across multiple rotating joints and link segments. By using a multi-link configuration rather than a single rigid arm, the force is distributed through the first and second links, maintaining adequate support strength while allowing for a more compact overall arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge apparatus divides the door support function into multiple segmented links (first link and second link) rather than using a single monolithic support structure. This segmentation allows each link to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the necessary support strength in a compact configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container apparatus is provided in which a large space is not required in front of a housing for a door to be moved between a closed position and an open position. A housing 2 has an opening in a front surface 2a. A first attachment member 20 is attached to an inner surface of a side portion of the housing 2. A second attachment member 30 is attached to a rear surface 3a of a door 3 that opens and closes the opening of the housing 2. First, second and third links 41, 42, 43 are disposed between the first attachment member 20 and the second attachment member 30. The first attachment member 20, the second attachment member 30, and the first, second and third links 42, 43, 41 constitute a parallel link mechanism. This arrangement enables the door 3 to be translated.