Pivot Joint Assembly for Adjustable Partition Wall Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional partition systems are difficult to assemble, require numerous parts, and are not easily customizable in terms of size, shape, or configuration, necessitating labor-intensive adjustments to modify the relative angle between partition walls.
Innovation Solution
A pivot joint system with two pivot structures and a linking structure, featuring a stop member to limit pivoting range, allowing easy assembly and adjustment of partition wall panels using snap-fit tab connectors and metal extrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional partition systems use numerous different pieces and parts, then the system can provide functional separation, but it becomes more difficult and time-consuming to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single pivot joint assembly that integrates the hinge mechanism, connection structures, and angle adjustment features. This merging of components reduces the total number of separate parts needed while maintaining the partition system's functionality, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of assembly and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joint is designed as a universal connection mechanism that can accommodate various wall panel configurations and angle requirements through a single multi-functional component. The hinge mechanism serves multiple purposes: connecting panels, enabling angle adjustment, and providing structural support, thereby reducing the need for numerous specialized parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional partition systems are assembled once, then the structure is stable, but the relative angle between partition walls cannot be modified without partial disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment of the angle between wall panels while maintaining structural stability. The hinge allows the panels to pivot to different angles without requiring disassembly, providing adaptability while keeping the operation simple and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the wall panels, facilitating angle adjustment through a simple pivoting motion. This intermediary component enables easy modification of panel angles without requiring complex disassembly and reassembly operations, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and operation complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional partition systems require disassembly for angle adjustment, then the structure remains stable during use, but labor and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint's hinge mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the partition system by allowing panels to pivot to different angles instantly. This dynamic capability provides configuration flexibility without requiring time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations, directly addressing the contradiction between adaptability and time loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a partition system comprising at least one pivot joint, each at least one pivot joint comprising: two pivot structures having partial circular cross-sections centered on a pivot axis, each pivot structure for engaging with a wall panel and permitting an engaged wall panel to pivot about the pivot axis; a linking structure extending between and joining the two pivot structures; and a stop member extending outwardly from a proximal end at the linking structure to a distal end spaced apart from the linking structure, the stop member limiting the range within which wall panels engaged with the pivot structures can pivot about the pivot axis, the partition system further comprising a plurality of wall panels, each of said wall panels comprising a pair of parallel tabs extending substantially perpendicularly from at least one end face of the wall panel, at least one of said parallel tabs having an end flange extending inwardly toward the other of said tabs, the end flange being adapted to engage one of the pivot structures of the at least one pivot joint, each of the plurality of wall panels being pivotally connected to the at least one pivot joint.