Adjustable Resistance Hinge System for Human Manikin Joint Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable hinges for human manikins suffer from limited precision in resistance adjustment, increased wear, and relaxation of set resistance over time, making them unsuitable for accurately simulating human joint movements.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable resistance hinge system with a central element, elongate arms, and biasing devices, featuring compression springs and retaining fasteners, allowing for precise adjustment of resistance without increasing friction, replicating human joint limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed resistance values are used in hinge systems, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but the system lacks adaptability to different user needs and application scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system transitions from fixed resistance to dynamically adjustable resistance through a variable damping mechanism. The damper allows real-time modification of resistance levels, enabling the hinge to adapt to different usage scenarios and user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the damping parameter of the hinge system by incorporating a damper with adjustable resistance characteristics. This allows the same hinge mechanism to operate across multiple resistance levels by modifying the damping coefficient, thereby achieving versatility without requiring multiple different hinge designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hinge systems with different fixed resistance values are manufactured to meet various needs, then adaptability is improved, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system achieves multi-functionality through a single design that incorporates adjustable damping. Instead of producing multiple specialized hinge variants with different fixed resistances, one universal hinge system can provide multiple resistance levels through the adjustable damper, significantly reducing inventory variety while maintaining the full range of resistance options.
3Reliability
If conventional hinges without damping are used, then the structure remains simple, but control over movement and stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The damper serves as an intermediary element between the hinge components, providing controlled resistance to movement. This mediator component absorbs and dissipates energy, enhancing stability and control during door operation without requiring fundamental changes to the hinge's core structure, thus maintaining relative simplicity while improving reliability.
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
Provides a variable and adjustable resistance hinge system that accurately simulates human joint movements, reducing friction and maintaining resistance over time, suitable for human manikins in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a damper configured to resist movement between the first component and the second component
Implementation Method 2
a damper configured to resist movement between the first component and the second component
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable resistance hinge system for a joint connecting at least a first articulating member and a second articulating member, the hinge system comprising a central element defining a hinge axis. The central element comprises a first and a second elongate arm, each elongate arm extending away from the hinge axis, and a first and a second keeping element hinging on the hinge axis are attached to the first and the second articulating members, respectively. A first and a second biasing device are also engageable with the first and the second elongate arms, respectively. The first and the second elongate arms extend into the first and the second articulating members, respectively, and the first and the second biasing devices engage the central element to resist relative motion of the first and the second articulating members about the hinge axis. The adjustable resistance hinge system allows two joined members to be adjusted to replicate desired physiology, limits, and resistance.