Adjustable Torque Hinge Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices for pivot-rotating objects, such as doors, face limitations in adjusting torque force due to restricted slide slot openings and inconvenient insert adjustments, which hinder efficient torque adjustment and operation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable torque hinge design featuring a hinge unit with a torque providing unit and a torque adjusting unit, utilizing a torque spring and a cam mechanism to allow for easy adjustment of torque force through a 360-degree rotation, enabling automatic open and close operations and controlling the rotary speed of the door panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an adjusting pin is used to block the inner wall of the slide slot before the torque spring begins to twist, then the hinge device can adjust torque force, but the slide slot can only open with a small distance resulting in limited adjusting of torque size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static slide slot mechanism with a dynamic cam mechanism. The cam profile is designed to provide progressive engagement, allowing the adjusting pin to travel a greater distance and engage the cam surface at different positions. This enables a wider range of torque adjustment while maintaining smooth force transmission throughout the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the adjustment mechanism by replacing the linear slide slot with a curved cam profile. The cam's radial and tangential dimensions are optimized to provide extended adjustment range. The varying radius of the cam profile allows for different leverage ratios throughout the adjustment arc, enabling both fine and coarse torque adjustments within a single continuous motion.
2Force
If an adjusting pin is inserted into different positions of insert holes to adjust the torque spring, then torque adjustment is possible, but this type of insert adjustment operation consumes much time and is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured with its engagement surface ready to receive the adjusting pin. When adjustment is needed, the user simply pushes the pin along the cam's predetermined path, and the cam automatically guides the pin through the correct sequence of engagement positions. This eliminates the need for the user to manually select and insert the pin into specific holes, as the cam's geometry already establishes the optimal engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the discrete insert-hole mechanism with a continuous cam surface. Instead of requiring precise alignment with specific insertion points, the cam provides a continuous guide surface that accepts the adjusting pin over an extended arc. This substitution transforms a discrete, multi-step adjustment process into a continuous, single-motion adjustment, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Power
If the adjusting pin blocks the inner wall of the slide slot, then the torque spring can be twisted to produce torque, but the opening distance is limited which restricts the adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear slide slot to a two-dimensional cam surface. The adjusting pin moves along an arc-shaped path on the cam surface rather than in a straight line. This dimensional change allows the pin to engage the torque spring over a larger effective radius, multiplying the opening distance and providing greater leverage for torque adjustment while maintaining smooth force transmission.
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
The design allows for convenient and efficient adjustment of torque force and rotary speed, ensuring smooth and controlled door operations, including automatic closing and adjustable torque values, enhancing usability and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a torque spring (16) is set on the bearing rod (141), wherein the top side is mounted and fixed on the pivot (14) with the bottom side mounted and fixed on the adjusting sleeve (17) so that torque spring (16) can operate on the first and second wing plates (11, 12)
Implementation Method 2
The outer periphery of the pivot is connected with the first sleeve knuckles to form a movable connection with the first wing plate, and the torque spring end working on the pivot
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An adjustable torque hinge includes a set hinge, a torque providing unit and a torque adjusting unit, the set hinge unit couples a first and second wing plate with a pivot pin, wherein the first and second wing plate forms a pin joint with a first sleeve and second sleeve; the torque providing unit includes a torque spring to provide turn back recovery, a torque adjusting unit which consists a torque adjustment member; the first sleeve includes a first cam inside, and the torque adjustment member includes a second cam which couples with the first cam to drive the torque adjustment member to perform torque adjustment to the torque spring, whereby the conversion between the first and second sleeves enables the bearing hinge to be used in both directions such that the present invention can accumulate pressure both in normal and reverse directions to adjust the torque force for open and close operations.