Quick Assembly Hinge Mechanism for Panel Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of large, heavy containment tank panels in cold environments is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring heavy machinery and posing risks of accidental separation leading to containment issues and environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
A quick assembly hinge mechanism comprising a pin and hook system that securely joins panel members, allowing for rapid rotation and preventing lateral and vertical displacement, eliminating the need for bolts or hand tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large heavy panels are used to minimize the number of panels, then the assembly process becomes more complex and requires heavy machinery, but using more smaller panels increases the number of assembly operations and time
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: wing portions that attach to panel edges, pin members for insertion, and hook members for engagement. This segmentation allows the complex joining function to be broken down into simple, manageable parts that can be quickly assembled without heavy machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary component between panel members, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the assembly process. The wing portions serve as intermediaries that attach to panel edges, enabling easy connection without requiring direct bolt attachment or heavy lifting equipment.
2Strength
If traditional bolt channels and crane/boom truck methods are used to join panels, then structural strength is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow for quick insertion and engagement. The pin member can be inserted through the wing portions and engaged with the hook member in a single motion, enabling rapid assembly without the need for time-consuming bolt tightening or complex positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The wing portions attach to panel edges through simple engagement, and the pin-hook mechanism automatically secures the joint without requiring external fastening operations or heavy machinery, thereby increasing assembly speed while maintaining strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If panels are assembled in cold environments with snow and ice, then work continues in challenging conditions, but worker safety and assembly efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism uses simple, lightweight components that can be easily handled even in cold conditions. The wing portions, pin members, and hook members are designed to be lightweight and easy to manipulate, avoiding the need for heavy machinery that would be difficult to operate in cold environments with snow and ice.
4Reliability
If strong structural junctions are used to prevent panel separation, then containment integrity is ensured, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is pre-assembled into complete units with the wing portions, pin members, and hook members already configured. This preliminary assembly of the joining mechanism allows for rapid installation at the panel joint without requiring time-consuming on-site assembly operations, while still providing strong structural junctions to prevent panel separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick assembly hinge for joining first and second panels. The hinge comprises a first wing portion securable to the first panel, a second wing portion securable to the second panel, a pin mounted to the first wing portion and a hook mounted to the second wing portion. The pin is generally parallel to the first panel when the first wing portion is secured thereto. When the second wing portion is secured to the second panel, the opening of the hook bowl is directed downwardly toward the bottom surface of the second panel. With the panels generally co-planar and their respective edges adjacent to one another the hook is receivable over at least a portion of the pin. As the first panel is rotated upwardly to form a generally a right angle with the second panel the pin is rotatable within the hook bowl preventing the lateral and vertical displacement of the panels.