Aircraft Hinge With Adjustable Damping And Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for aircraft components, such as tables, often result in abrupt folding, which can be hazardous and difficult to operate, and require complex adjustments to frictional forces, making them impractical for use with large or heavy components.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a damping element and a braking system with a setting element that allows for adjustable contact pressure, preventing abrupt folding and enabling smooth pivoting between components, while being compact and easy to install.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frictional forces are increased to prevent abrupt folding, then safety is improved, but the hinge becomes difficult to operate and requires complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs a dynamic braking system where the frictional force is not fixed but can be adjusted during operation. The setting element allows the frictional engagement between the brake element and damping element to be modified, enabling the hinge to adapt between safe braking and easy operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the friction parameter dynamically through the setting element, which modifies the contact pressure between the brake element and damping element. This allows the frictional force to be optimized for both safety during abrupt folding prevention and ease of operation during normal use.
2Reliability
If frictional forces are adjusted to prevent abrupt folding, then safety is improved, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex and requires multiple mounting/demounting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The setting element is extracted as a separate, accessible component that can be adjusted without disassembling the entire hinge. The actuating part is positioned on an outer face, allowing users to modify the frictional engagement by simply accessing this external element rather than dismantling the hinge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting element acts as an intermediary between the user and the frictional engagement mechanism. By adjusting the setting element, users can indirectly control the contact pressure between the brake element and damping element, simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining precise control over safety parameters.
3Reliability
If the hinge is designed to be fully obstructed to prevent unauthorized adjustment, then safety is improved, but subsequent adjustment becomes impossible without demounting
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge design allows users to perform their own adjustments through the accessible actuating part of the setting element. The system is designed to be self-adjustable without requiring professional intervention or disassembly, enabling end-users to maintain optimal safety settings themselves.
4Ease of operation
If the actuating part is made accessible on the outer face, then ease of adjustment is improved, but unauthorized or undesirable adjustments become possible
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs a dynamic braking system where the frictional force is not fixed but can be adjusted during operation. The setting element allows the frictional engagement between the brake element and damping element to be modified, enabling the hinge to adapt between safe braking and easy operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the friction parameter dynamically through the setting element, which modifies the contact pressure between the brake element and damping element. This allows the frictional force to be optimized for both safety during abrupt folding prevention and ease of operation during normal use.
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 hinge design prevents abrupt folding of components, allowing for smooth pivoting and easy adjustment of the braking effect, enhancing safety and usability, particularly in aircraft interior applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first pivot arm (6) which is connected to a brake element (19), which is displaceable along a brake surface (20) of the damping element (17), wherein the displacement of the first articulation axis (8) of the first pivot arm (6) is dampened
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge for articulatedly connecting first and second components, with first and second hinge parts for fastening to the first and second components, respectively, with a first pivot arm which comprises a first articulation axis on the first hinge part and a second articulation axis on the second hinge part, wherein the first hinge part comprises a longitudinal guide for the first articulation axis of the first pivot arm, and with a second pivot arm which comprises a first articulation axis on the first hinge part and a second articulation axis on the second hinge part, wherein the first hinge part comprises a damping element, wherein the first pivot arm is connected to a braking element, wherein a setting element is provided which comprises a pressing part, which acts on the damping element, and an actuating part, wherein the actuating part is in an access hole of the first hinge part.