Segmented Hinge Assembly for Machine Guard Plate Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge assemblies for machine guard plates are complex and costly, requiring specialized manufacturing processes, leading to increased installation and replacement times, and machine downtime.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly comprising a flat plate with a slot and a bent plate with inclined portions, allowing for pivotal movement between open and closed positions, simplifying the mounting process and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a heavy duty pin and tube type hinge assembly is used, then the structural integrity and strength are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into two separate plates (flat plate and bent plate) with simplified geometries that can be manufactured independently using standard processes, eliminating the need for complex pin and tube assemblies while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed slot-intersection design
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism transitions from a traditional 3D pin-and-tube assembly to a 2D plate-based system where the pivot motion is achieved through the intersection of slots in different orientations, reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving the required strength and rotational functionality
2Strength
If a heavy duty pin and tube type hinge assembly is used, then the strength is improved, but the installation time and machine downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into two independently manufacturable plates that can be prepared separately and then quickly assembled, eliminating time-consuming on-site machining and welding operations required for traditional pin and tube assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified plate design allows for rapid fabrication and replacement of the hinge assembly, making it economically feasible to use simpler, faster-to-install components without compromising long-term durability
3Reliability
If a traditional hinge assembly design is used, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes the geometric parameters of the hinge components, using inclined portions and specifically oriented slots instead of traditional cylindrical pins and tubes, which allows standard manufacturing processes to produce reliable components at lower cost
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly including a flat plate and a bent plate is provided. The flat plate includes a first slot extending at least partially along a width of the flat plate and disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to a central axis of the flat plate. The bent plate includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The second portion includes a second slot extending at least partially along a width of the bent plate and disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to a central axis of the bent plate. The second slot is adapted to interconnect with respect to the first slot to pivotally move the hinge assembly between an open position and a close position. In the open position, the first portion of the bent plate is adapted to contact a first half section on a first side of the flat plate.