Retractable Support Mechanism for Flush Hook and Recess Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for automobile cabins disturb the design aesthetics when not in use and lack versatility in functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose support device with a movable body that can form a projection or recess on a target object, utilizing a casing body, biasing body, and control mechanism to switch between positions, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with the design surface when not in use and provide functional hooks or fitting surfaces as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hook member is provided to protrude from the attachment member for hooking purposes, then the usability for hooking is improved, but the design aesthetics of the target object is disturbed when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member is made movable between a retracted position (flush with the attachment member surface) and a protruding position (for hooking). This dynamic configuration allows the hook to be hidden when not in use, maintaining design aesthetics, and deployed when needed, providing hooking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment member is divided into a stationary casing body and a movable hook member. The hook member can be independently moved between retracted and protruding positions, allowing separate control of functionality and aesthetics without affecting the entire attachment member.
2Shape
If a hook member is housed slidably in an enclosure housing, then the design aesthetics is maintained, but the usability for both hooking and fitting purposes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The movable body is designed to perform multiple functions: when protruding, it forms a hook for hanging purposes; when retracted, it creates a recess for fitting purposes. This single component provides both hooking and fitting functionalities, eliminating the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable body transitions between different positions (protruding and retracted) to provide different functions. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve multiple purposes, enhancing versatility while maintaining a clean appearance when retracted.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the movable body is constantly protruding to provide functionality, then the usability is improved, but the design surface integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable body is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a protruding position (for functionality) and a retracted position (for design surface integrity). This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing functionality only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional element (movable body) is extracted from the design surface when not in use by retracting it into the casing body. This separation allows the design surface to maintain its integrity while the functional element remains available for use when required.
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 device maintains design integrity while offering versatile functionality, enabling hooking and fitting purposes without disturbing the aesthetic appearance, and supports various articles efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing body that urges the movable body toward the advanced position
Implementation Method 2
the biasing body is a compressed coil spring disposed between the movable body and the casing body
Data Source
AI summary
A support device includes a movable body provided movably between an advanced position for forming a projection on an object, and a retracted position for forming a recess on the object. The multi-purpose support device includes a casing body movably supporting the movable body, a biasing body exerting a biasing force to the movable body, and a control mechanism for the movable body. The control mechanism performs a cycle of controlling the movable body including: temporal holding of the movable body at a reference position; first pushing of the movable body at the reference position toward a retracted position against the biasing force; causing the biasing force to move the movable body after the first pushing, to an advanced position; second pushing of the movable body at the advanced position against the biasing force; and causing the biasing force to move the movable body to the reference position.