Pivoting Cover Arrangement for Tolerance-Resilient Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover arrangements for elongated openings, particularly those using U-shaped support members, face issues with assembly and disassembly due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to stuck covers and high force requirements for opening, and lack flexibility in blind orientation.
Innovation Solution
A cover arrangement featuring an elongated support member with complimentary shaped engagement means and pivot means, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of a plate-shaped cover, with adjustable firmness and reduced reliance on manufacturing tolerances, and enabling 180-degree blind orientation change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plate-shaped cover is directly connected to the elongated support member using fixed engagement means, then the connection is rigid and stable, but the assembly and disassembly become difficult due to manufacturing tolerances causing the cover to get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is designed with pivoting capability, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adjustable one. The pivot means allow the connection element to rotate between a first position (for easy insertion) and a second position (for secure engagement), enabling the system to adapt during assembly and operation to overcome manufacturing tolerance issues
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the connection element with pivot means, the engagement means on the support member, and the engagement means on the cover. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the pivot means providing movement freedom to compensate for tolerance variations
2Strength
If the connection element is rigidly fixed to the elongated support member, then the connection is strong and stable, but the pivot means may get stuck and require high force to open
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot means are designed to rotate between positions, providing dynamic movement that prevents the connection from becoming permanently stuck. This rotational freedom allows the system to accommodate wear and tolerance variations while maintaining strong engagement when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The angular position of the pivot means can be changed between a first position (facilitating opening) and a second position (providing secure closure). This parameter change enables the system to optimize between ease of operation and connection strength depending on the operational phase
3Device complexity
If the cover arrangement uses fixed engagement means, then the structure is simple, but the blind orientation cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot means enable the connection element to rotate to different angular positions, allowing the blind to be oriented in different directions (e.g., towards the window or towards the room). This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through simple rotational movement without complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element with pivot means serves multiple functions: it provides secure engagement, enables easy assembly/disassembly, and allows orientation adjustment. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple pivoting mechanism that combines several capabilities in one component
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cover arrangement (302) for at least partially covering an opening. The cover arrangement comprises an elongated support member (304), which is adapted to be arranged adjacent the opening, a plate-shaped cover (308) adapted to be connected to the elongated support member (304) in a way that, in a connected state, the plate-shaped cover (308) projects from the elongated support member (304), and at least one connection element (310). The connection element (310) and the elongated support member (304) comprises complimentary shaped first engagement means (312,314) so that the connection element (310) may be rigidly connected to the elongated support member (304) in an operative state. Further, the connection element (310) and the plate-shaped cover (308) comprises complimentary shaped pivot means (316,318) so that the plate-shaped cover (308) may be pivoted between a non-connected state and the connected state in relation to the elongated support member (304) when the connection element (310) is in its operative state in relation to the elongated support member.