Resilient Limiting Member for Automatic Panel Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panel modules for computer enclosures require users to adjust the linkage member to a closed position before the cover panel can be properly closed, making the process inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a resilient limiting member between the main panel and the linkage member, which stores a restoring force to automatically return the linkage member to a closed position, allowing the cover panel to be easily and conveniently closed upon the main panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover panel is connected pivotally to the main panel through the linkage member, then the cover panel can be openable to permit access to the opening region, but the linkage member must be manually adjusted to a closed position for the cover panel to be properly closed, which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient limiting member enables the linkage member to automatically return to the closed position without manual intervention. When the cover panel is closed, the resilient limiting member stores a restoring force that automatically restores the linkage member to its closed position, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for user adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient limiting member changes the positional parameter of the linkage member by providing a restoring force. This force automatically adjusts the linkage member from an open position back to a closed position, changing the spatial parameter of the linkage member without requiring manual operation.
2Productivity
If the linkage member swings pivotally relative to the main panel when the cover panel moves, then the cover panel can be opened and closed, but user intervention is required to adjust the linkage member to the closed position, increasing operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient limiting member enables the linkage member to automatically return to the closed position without manual intervention. When the cover panel is closed, the resilient limiting member stores a restoring force that automatically restores the linkage member to its closed position, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for user adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient limiting member performs the restoration action in advance by storing a restoring force during the closing process. This pre-stored force automatically returns the linkage member to the closed position, eliminating the need for subsequent manual adjustment and reducing total operation time.
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
Enables the cover panel to be automatically restored to a closed position when closing, eliminating the need for user-adjustment of the linkage member, thus simplifying the closing process and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient limiting member is provided between the main panel and the linkage member. The resilient limiting member is disposed to limit the linkage member to the closed position. When the linkage member is turned pivotally relative to the main panel, the resilient limiting member stores a restoring force for restoring the linkage member to the closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel module for a computer enclosure includes a main panel, a linkage member, a cover panel, and a resilient limiting member. The main panel has a cover region and an opening provided in the cover region. The linkage member is connected pivotally to the main and cover panels. The cover panel is movable relative to the main panel to be closed upon or flipped away from the cover region. The linkage member is disposed at a closed position when the cover panel is closed. The limiting member is interposed between the main panel and the linkage member to limit the linkage member to the closed position, and enables the linkage member to be automatically restored to the closed position when the cover panel is to be closed, thereby permitting easy and proper closing of the cover panel.