Two-Step Parallelogram Opening Mechanism for Wide-Access Showcases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Showcases designed for displaying and preserving delicate objects, such as art or cultural heritage, face challenges in maximizing the opening of transparent panels while ensuring structural simplicity, visibility, and easy access for large or heavy objects, without compromising the sealed environment.
Innovation Solution
The showcase employs an articulated parallelogram system with upper and lower rods and an intermediate structure, combined with a hinging system, allowing the openable panel to move in two steps: a roto-translational movement for partial opening and a rotational movement for full access, utilizing roto-translational complex hinges or simple pin hinges for maximum structural simplicity and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional opening supports (hinges or sliding guides) are used, then the panel can be opened, but the opening width is limited and access for large objects is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The opening movement is segmented into two distinct phases: first, the parallelogram mechanism moves the panel laterally to clear the opening space, then the hinge system rotates the panel to a fully open position. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function, achieving wide access without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static hinge to a dynamic two-stage mechanism that adapts its movement pattern based on the opening requirements. The parallelogram structure provides lateral displacement while the hinge provides rotational movement, creating a flexible opening system that can accommodate large objects
2Illumination intensity
If the panel is made entirely of glass for visibility, then maximum visibility is achieved, but the panel becomes heavy and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism is designed to counterbalance the weight of the heavy glass panel through the parallelogram structure and hinge system, which distribute and manage the gravitational forces acting on the panel during opening and closing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate structure in the parallelogram mechanism acts as a mediator between the fixed frame and the glass panel, providing support and control points that facilitate the movement of the heavy panel without requiring direct manual handling
3Ease of operation
If the panel opens widely for easy access, then large objects can be moved in, but the sealing of the protected environment becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is prepared in advance with gaskets and sealing elements positioned to maintain the protected environment throughout the two-stage opening sequence. The lateral movement phase allows the panel to clear the opening while the sealing system remains engaged, and the final rotation phase occurs when the panel is positioned to minimize environmental compromise
Data Source
AI summary
A showcase for preservation and display of objects is described. The showcase has a fixed casing and at least one openable panel made of glass mounted on the fixed casing through opening supports, which have a pair of upper rods and a pair of lower rods, all having the same length as each other, pivoted to the fixed casing at respective first upper and lower rod pins, and an intermediate structure, pivoted to the upper and lower rods at respective second upper and lower rod pins. A hinging system is provided along the main direction, between the openable panel and the intermediate structure, so as to allow the openable panel to rotate with respect to the intermediate structure. The opening is divided substantially into two steps, with a first roto-translational movement of the intermediate structure and with it of the openable panel with respect to the case, and a second step, in which the hinging system is used to allow the openable panel to rotate with respect to the intermediate structure, until a completely open position is reached.