Thermal Bag Hinge Assembly for Stable Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal bags have an unstable opening structure, making it inconvenient to open, close, and store items due to an irregular shape and lack of a stable joint between the upper cover and the main body.
Innovation Solution
A thermal bag design featuring a side shaping board and top shaping board between the outer and inner fabrics, with a hinge assembly and support bars, allowing for symmetrical half covers and a zipper opening assembly that facilitates easy opening and closing, maintaining a stable shape and enhancing thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the opening portion of the thermal bag is made soft for flexibility, then the bag is easier to carry and adapt to different shapes, but the shape of the opening becomes irregular and unstable, making it inconvenient to take and place articles
Solution Approach 1:
The opening portion is segmented into two symmetrical half covers that can be independently positioned and controlled. Each half cover is connected to the main body through a hinge assembly, allowing the opening to be divided into manageable sections that maintain stability while preserving overall flexibility of the bag structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly enables the half covers to dynamically adjust between open and closed positions while maintaining a stable configured shape when closed. The hinge mechanism allows controlled movement and positioning, transforming the static soft structure into a dynamically adjustable one that preserves both flexibility and shape stability.
2Ease of operation
If the joint between the upper cover portion and the main body portion is made soft for comfort, then the bag is more comfortable to wear and carry, but the shape of the upper cover becomes unstable, resulting in poor structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The upper cover portion is segmented into two symmetrical half covers, each independently hinged to the main body. This segmentation allows each half to maintain its shape stability while the overall structure remains flexible and comfortable for carrying.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the soft fabric materials, providing structural support and shape stability while maintaining the flexibility and comfort of the soft material. The hinge serves as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of softness and structural integrity.
3Productivity
If a hinge assembly is added to connect the side shaping board and top shaping board, then the opening and closing operation becomes quicker and more convenient, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is extracted as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This extraction simplifies the overall design by separating the hinge mechanism from the main bag structure, making it easier to produce and maintain while achieving quick opening and closing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to automatically guide the half covers into the correct open or closed position through its mechanical structure, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms. The limiting member and groove structure enable the hinge to self-regulate its movement, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high operational speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal bag includes a thermal bag main body and an upper cover. A side shaping board is interlaid between the fabrics around the thermal bag main body. The upper cover includes a pair of half covers. An opening assembly is connected between the two half covers. Atop shaping board is interlaid between the fabrics of each of the half covers. A hinge assembly is connected between the side shaping board and the top shaping board located at the same side of the opening assembly. The hinge assembly drives the half covers to open/close the opening of the thermal bag quickly.