In-Vehicle Cover Hinge Structure Without a Shaft Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle devices require complex hinge structures with rod-like shaft members, which complicate the fabrication process and make the device structure cumbersome for opening and closing operations.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle device with a simplified structure for opening and closing operations, utilizing a first member fixed to the cover with a protruding segment and a second member fixed to the housing with a notch to engage with the protruding segment, allowing for rotational movement without the need for a rod-like shaft member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge device with a rod-like shaft member is used for opening and closing operations, then the cover can be opened and closed, but the structure becomes complicated and the fabrication process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rod-like shaft member from the hinge device, retaining only the essential functional elements (first member with protruding segment and second member with notch) needed for opening and closing operations. This simplifies the overall structure while preserving the core functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge device is segmented into distinct functional components: the first member fixed to the cover, the protruding segment, the second member fixed to the housing, and the notch. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a hinge device with a rod-like shaft member is used for opening and closing operations, then the cover can be opened and closed, but the fabrication process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rod-like shaft member that requires complex fabrication processes such as swaging or welding. The simplified structure consisting of the first member, protruding segment, second member, and notch can be manufactured using simpler processes, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining operational functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the structure is simplified by eliminating the rod-like shaft member, then the fabrication process is simplified, but the rotation range must be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The notch in the second member is designed with specific local geometric features (first surface and second surface intersecting at an edge) that create precise contact points with the protruding segment. This local geometric design enables the structure to limit rotation range while maintaining simplicity in the overall fabrication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding segment and notch automatically limit the rotation range through their geometric interaction without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms. The first surface and second surface of the notch naturally constrain the rotation when the protruding segment contacts them, providing self-limiting functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle device includes a housing having an opening, an openable-closable cover disposed over the opening of the housing, a first member fixed to the cover to rotate about a rotational axis and including a protruding segment protruding in the direction of the rotational axis, and a second member fixed to the housing to support the first member such that the first member is rotatable about the rotational axis and including a notch to engage with the protruding segment around a point of intersection with the rotational axis. The edge of the notch has first and second surfaces intersecting with each other. The second member limits the rotation range of the first member to the range between the position in contact with the first surface and the position in contact with the second surface.