Adjustable Corner Hinge Joint for Variable-Height Temporary Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary wall systems face challenges in efficiently accommodating varying ceiling heights and forming flexible, adjustable corners between adjacent barriers, particularly in construction and remodeling projects.
Innovation Solution
A hinge joint assembly with a female and male part, each comprising slidable pieces, allows for adjustable heights and angles between barriers, using retractable and fixed latch pins and slots for secure connections, enabling flexible corner formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional temporary wall systems use fixed-height barriers, then installation is simple, but they cannot adapt to varying ceiling heights
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier height is made adjustable through sliding panels that can move relative to each other. The first and second panels of each barrier can slide vertically to set the barrier height, allowing adaptation to different ceiling heights while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each barrier is divided into multiple panels (first panel and second panel) that can move independently. This segmentation allows the height to be adjusted by sliding the panels relative to each other, providing adaptability without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wall systems use rigid corners, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and adjustability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The corner joint uses a hinge mechanism that allows the barriers to form flexible angles. The hinge connection enables the corner to be adjusted to different orientations while maintaining stability through the latch mechanism that secures the position.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner joint can change its angular parameter to form different angles between barriers. The hinge mechanism allows the angle to be adjusted, and the latch pins with slots provide stable positioning at selected angles, combining flexibility with stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable height mechanisms are added to barriers, then ceiling height adaptability improves, but assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are designed to slide smoothly relative to each other, allowing quick height adjustment. The sliding mechanism is simple and direct, enabling users to quickly set the desired height without complex procedures, thus minimizing time loss while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism with pins and slots provides self-aligning and self-locking functionality. The retractable latch pins automatically engage with the latch slots to secure the panel positions, reducing the need for complex assembly steps and minimizing time required for height adjustment.
4Ease of operation
If retractable latch pins are used instead of fixed pins, then ease of connection improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable latch pins are spring-loaded to automatically extend and engage with the latch slots during connection. This self-aligning and self-locking mechanism simplifies the connection operation, allowing barriers to be quickly connected without manual alignment, while the manufacturing complexity is managed through standardized spring-loaded components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge joint connects a first barrier to a second barrier of a wall which partitions a space. The hinge joint includes a female part connecting to the first barrier and including first and second pieces slidable relative to each other in setting a height of the hinge joint assembly to fit the ceiling height of the space. The hinge joint further includes a male part connecting to the second barrier and including third and fourth pieces which are slidable relative to each other in setting the height of the hinge joint assembly to fit the ceiling height of the space. Edges of the first and second pieces include at least one latch slot configured to retain a fixed latch pin of the first barrier. Edges of the third and fourth pieces include at least one retractable latch pin configured to engage a latch slot of the second barrier.