Portable Toy Lid Stability via Elastic Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing figure-playable portable toys lack stability when attempting to erect the lid relative to an installation surface, as they typically open at an angle of 180 degrees and cannot be securely held in an upright position.
Innovation Solution
A figure-playable portable toy design featuring a lid with a contact portion that comes into contact with the installation surface when opened, combined with a grip portion that pivots until it contacts the surface, allowing the lid to be stably erected. This configuration includes a first hinge for opening and closing the lid and a second hinge for the grip portion, ensuring the lid remains upright and preventing the toy from falling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is opened at an angle of substantially 180 degrees relative to the lower case, then the storage space is accessible, but the lid cannot be stably erected relative to the installation surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to be dynamic in its opening behavior, automatically transitioning from a flat 180-degree open state to an erected state through the elastic restoration force of the bent plate structure. This dynamic mechanism allows the lid to adapt its position based on gravitational and elastic forces, achieving both accessibility and stability without requiring manual intervention to maintain the erected position.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent plate structure integrated into the hinge assembly provides self-service by automatically generating the restoration force needed to erect the lid. The elastic deformation and restoration of the bent plate create a self-actuating mechanism that raises the lid to an erected position whenever the case is opened, eliminating the need for external actuators or manual positioning mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is made to open at 180 degrees for full access, then storage accessibility is improved, but the lid lacks structural support to remain upright
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a bent plate structure that dynamically transitions between deformed and restored states. When the case is opened, the bent plate restores its original shape, generating an elastic force that automatically erects the lid to a substantially vertical position, providing the necessary structural support without adding separate strengthening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent plate structure utilizes changes in its physical state (elastic deformation and restoration) to generate the force needed for lid erection. By changing the curvature and structural configuration of the bent plate during the opening motion, the system converts elastic potential energy into mechanical work that raises and supports the lid in an upright position.
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 toy can be stably erected and held at a 90-degree angle relative to the installation surface, preventing it from falling and allowing for secure storage and display of figures and model toys, while also enabling easy carrying when closed.
Implementation Method 1
the bent plate structure has an initial state in which the bent plate structure is elastically deformed, and the bent plate structure restores an initial state thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A figure-playable portable toy includes: a body configured to be installed on an installation surface; a lid provided on the body via a first hinge so as to be allowed to open and close, the lid defining a storage space between the lid and the body; and a grip portion. The lid includes a contact portion that comes into contact with the installation surface in a state in which the lid is opened relative to the body such that the contact portion holds the lid while the lid is erected relative to the installation surface.