Pop-Up Receptacle Hinge Layout for Compact Automatic Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pop-up enclosure systems face a trade-off between compactness and effective operation, as the location of the gas spring's pivot axis affects the moment of force applied, making it difficult to automate the opening mechanism without compromising compactness.
Innovation Solution
A pop-up enclosure system with a pneumatic piston articulated to the top plate and receptacle, allowing for automatic opening while minimizing the required clearance and footprint, using a hinge design that maintains a vertical piston position in both closed and open states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the gas spring is mounted farther from the hinge axis to increase the opening moment, then the top plate can be opened more effectively, but the footprint and compactness of the enclosure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the gas spring mounting from a horizontal arrangement (perpendicular to the hinge axis) to a vertical arrangement (parallel to the hinge axis). This dimensional change allows the gas spring to achieve its full extension stroke without requiring additional horizontal space, thereby maintaining compact footprint while providing sufficient opening moment through the vertical mounting configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable mounting bracket that can pivot or rotate to accommodate the gas spring's extension and retraction movements. This dynamic mounting mechanism allows the gas spring to maintain optimal force application throughout the opening and closing cycle while keeping the overall enclosure compact, as the bracket adapts its position rather than requiring fixed space for the entire stroke
2Area of stationary object
If the gas spring is mounted closer to the hinge axis to maintain compactness, then the footprint is reduced, but the opening moment becomes insufficient for effective operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lever arm or extension bracket as an intermediary between the gas spring and the top plate. This intermediary extends the effective moment arm length without increasing the overall footprint, as the extension is achieved through the vertical dimension rather than horizontal expansion. The intermediary component allows the gas spring mounted close to the hinge axis to still generate sufficient opening moment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (parallel to the hinge axis) to compensate for the reduced horizontal distance from the hinge axis. By mounting the gas spring vertically and allowing it to extend in the vertical direction, the system achieves the necessary mechanical advantage without sacrificing compactness in the horizontal plane
3Force
If a bracket is used to anchor the gas spring to the receptacle or equipment, then the gas spring can be positioned to provide adequate moment, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the gas spring mounting bracket with the existing hinge assembly or receptacle structure, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate, complex bracket structures while still providing the necessary mounting points and mechanical advantage for the gas spring to effectively open the top plate
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves automatic and controlled opening of the top plate, ensuring access to electronic equipment while maintaining a compact design, by articulating the pneumatic piston to reduce the footprint and ensure a tight fit when closed.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring 16 is pivotally anchored at one end 17 to an inside of the receptacle 14, its opposite end being pivotally attached to a support 18 mounted on the inner surface of the top plate 11 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis 19
Data Source
AI summary
A pop-up enclosure system (30) for electronic equipment, includes a receptacle (31) adapted for mounting in a work-surface (15) and containing one or more electrical outlets (32) for connection of equipment thereto, and a bezel (33) supported by the receptacle and adapted for countersinking in said work-surface. A top plate (34) is dimensioned for closing an opening defined by the bezel, and a hinge (35) is mounted at an edge of the top plate and the bezel for hingedly attaching the top plate to the bezel so as to allow rotation of the top plate from a closed position to a fully open position wherein the edge of the top plate abuts an upper surface of the bezel. A releasable resilient opening force (37) is fixed to the receptacle and articulated to the top plate for opening the top plate.