Bendable Tube Elastic Hinge for Reliable Torque Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bendable tubes with elastic hinges face challenges in transmitting rotation torque reliably due to torque deviation and torque lag, and the hinges are sensitive to torque deviation, limiting the effective movement and bending within confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates circumferential slits that open and close alternately when bent, generating a moment over the intermediate part, and includes a rope equalizer structure between flexible and rigid sections to compensate for displacement differences, enhancing the connection and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional elastic hinges are used in bendable tubes, then the tube can achieve bending capability, but torque transmission becomes unreliable due to torque deviation and torque lag
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple discrete elements (first hinge element, second hinge element, third hinge element) arranged circumferentially. Each hinge element consists of opposing V-shaped slits separated by flex points, creating segmented bending zones that independently manage torque transmission while maintaining overall flexibility. This segmentation allows each element to handle torque more reliably while the collective provides bending capability in multiple directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tube is designed for high flexibility to bend freely in tight spaces, then bending capacity improves, but structural integrity and torque transmission deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure combines flexible and rigid components in a composite arrangement. The flex points provide flexibility for bending, while the bridge elements connecting the slits maintain structural integrity. The alternating pattern of flexible slits and rigid bridge sections creates a composite structure that simultaneously achieves high flexibility for tight space navigation and sufficient strength for reliable torque transmission.
3Strength
If the flex points are designed to support high tension for robust bending, then bending durability improves, but the flex points abut outwardly limiting movement in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge elements are arranged in a circumferential pattern around the tube, utilizing the radial dimension to distribute flex points evenly. This circumferential arrangement allows the flex points to abut outwardly in a radial direction while maintaining rotational freedom and preventing excessive outward protrusion that would limit movement in confined spaces. The multi-dimensional arrangement balances durability with operational ease.
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
This design ensures reliable transmission of rotation torque and improved flexibility, allowing the tube to bend freely without material deformation, even in tight spaces, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The circumferential slit (3) has an end (7) and an end (9). The circumferential slit (5) has an end (11) and an end (13). When the tube like member (1) is bent along a bending axis, one of the circumferential slits (3, 5) will open while the other circumferential slit (3, 5) will close, thereby generating a moment over the intermediate part (15) located between the circumferential slits (3, 5).
Data Source
AI summary
A tube like member having a first flexible portion comprising a first, second, third and fourth circumferential slits, the first circumferential slit is arranged opposite to the second circumferential slit and comprising a first end and a second end, the second circumferential slit comprises a third end and a fourth end. The first flexible portion also comprises first, second, third and fourth longitudinal slits arranged longitudinally along the tube like member. The tube like member also includes first and second bridges, at least partially defined by the longitudinal slits.