Adjustable Hinge Braking Element for Variable Pivot Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges lack an adjustable mechanism to control the resistance of pivot movement between connected structures, making them inadequate for applications requiring varying levels of resistance to environmental forces or user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with a braking element comprising a friction pad and pressure band, adjustable to apply a selectable amount of resistance by tightening or loosening a connecting fastener, allowing for a continuum of resistance from minimal to maximum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hinge structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks adjustable resistance to pivot movement
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge transforms from a static, fixed-resistance structure to a dynamic, adjustable-resistance structure through the braking element. The pressure band can be tightened or loosened to change the friction pressure on the friction pad, allowing the hinge to adapt its resistance level based on operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the friction parameter between contacting surfaces by introducing a pressure band that applies variable normal force to the friction pad. By adjusting the tension in the pressure band, the coefficient of friction and contact pressure are modified, thereby changing the resistance to pivot movement without fundamentally altering the hinge's structural parameters.
2Reliability
If no braking element is used, then the hinge allows free pivot movement, but it cannot prevent unwanted movement under environmental forces
Solution Approach 1:
The braking element provides dynamic control over pivot movement freedom. When the pressure band is loosened, the hinge operates with minimal resistance allowing free movement for normal operations. When tightened, the increased friction pressure prevents unwanted movement under environmental forces such as wind or vibration, thus dynamically balancing reliability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction pad and pressure band create a preliminary resistive force that counteracts environmental forces before unwanted movement occurs. This preventive friction force acts in advance to stabilize the connected structures, preventing movement rather than correcting it after the fact, while still allowing intentional pivot movement when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed resistance hinge is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide continuum of resistance from minimal to maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves a continuum of resistance adjustment by varying a single parameter - the tension in the pressure band. This continuous variable adjustment is much simpler than manufacturing multiple hinges with different fixed resistance values. The same hinge can be manufactured once and then adjusted to provide any resistance level within its operational range through simple tensioning of the pressure band.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking element design makes the hinge universal across multiple applications requiring different resistance levels. Instead of manufacturing specialized hinges for each resistance requirement, this single hinge design with an adjustable pressure band can serve multiple functions and applications by simply adjusting the band tension, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while increasing adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the hinge to provide an adjustable degree of resistance to pivot movement, effectively preventing unwanted movement under low forces while allowing higher force-induced movement, enhancing durability and usability in applications like aerodynamic panels and door/gate systems.
Implementation Method 1
a friction pad extending about a portion of the central post in contact with the outer surface of the post
Implementation Method 2
a pressure band for pressing the friction pad against the central post
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge structure may comprise a first assembly including a central post with an outer surface and a first connector element on the central post for mounting on a first structure, a second assembly pivotally coupled to the first assembly and including a ring extending about the central post, a ring connector connected to the ring, and a second connector element on the ring for mounting on a second structure. A braking element may apply a selectable amount of resistance to pivot movement of the second connector element with respect to the first connector element and including a friction pad extending about a portion of the central post, a pressure band for pressing the friction pad against the central post, and a connecting structure connecting the ends of the band and being adjustable to move the ends closer toward each other and to relax the ends away from each other.