Elastic Bistable Pivot Hinge for Stable Open and Closed Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges lack stability in specific open or closed positions, failing to efficiently maintain structures in desired configurations without external forces.
Innovation Solution
A bistable hinge mechanism utilizing an elastic element and pivot structure, which biases the hinge to stable open or closed states through tension changes in the elastic element, ensuring equilibrium in these positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a typical hinge is used to permit rotation, then the structure can move between open and closed positions, but the hinge cannot maintain stable equilibrium in specific open or closed positions without external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the hinge system by introducing an elastic element that stores and releases energy during rotation. The elastic element's tension varies with the hinge angle, creating stable equilibrium positions where the restoring force balances the gravitational or operational forces, thereby achieving stable open or closed positions without external holding forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element in the hinge mechanism provides self-service by automatically generating the necessary restoring forces to maintain stable equilibrium positions. The system uses its own internal energy storage and release mechanisms rather than requiring external actuators or forces to hold the hinge in desired positions, making the system self-regulating and self-maintaining.
2Productivity
If a hinge mechanism is designed to bias towards open or closed state, then operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the biasing force to prefer open or closed states, acts as a spring to absorb and release energy during transitions, and creates the stable equilibrium positions. This multi-functionality achieves operational efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the biasing mechanism and the energy storage mechanism into a single elastic element integrated with the hinge structure. Rather than having separate components for creating the biasing force and for energy management, the elastic element combines these functions, thereby improving operational efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 bistable hinge maintains structures in stable open or closed states, reducing the need for external forces to hold positions and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element attached to the first rotating surface and the second rotating surface; wherein: as the first and second rotating surfaces rotate, a tension in the elastic element changes
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein take the form of a bistable hinge. The bistable hinge typically includes an elastic element and a pair of rigid structures. Each rigid structure in the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of pivot cylinders connected to a rotating surface, as well as a detent formed on a portion of the rotating surface. The elastic element is retained by the detent, such that the spring force of the elastic element, when stretched, is transmitted to the rigid structure. The rigid structure may incorporate any suitable protrusions, retainers, or the like around which the elastic element extends in lieu of the illustrated detents. As the elastic element is stretched during operation of the hinge, the elastic element maintains contact with the detents. Further, as the hinge transitions from a closed state to an open state, the detents stretch the elastic element, thereby applying tension to it.