Cross-Arm Hinge Structure for Angle Hold and Flush Closing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices lack a combination of a holding function at arbitrary angle positions and a rotation torque applying function to maintain a rotation object at a rotation limit angle.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device with first and second hinge bodies, arms, shaft members, and a friction resistance generation mechanism that provides both holding at arbitrary angles and applies rotation torque using an energizing member, such as a leaf spring or torsion spring, to guide the second hinge body to a rotation limit position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a friction plate is interposed between the first arm and the second arm to generate friction torque, then the lid can be stably maintained at an arbitrary angle position, but the hinge device cannot apply rotation torque to close the door flush
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is divided into two functional segments: a first guide portion that enables arbitrary angle positioning through friction, and a second guide portion that guides the arm to a predetermined position for flush closing. This segmentation allows the hinge device to perform both functions using a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove structure serves multiple functions: it provides friction-based holding at arbitrary angles through its first portion, and simultaneously provides guided positioning for flush closing through its second portion. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making one component capable of both stabilization and torque application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coil springs are provided on hinge bodies to push arms and apply rotation torque for flush closing, then the doors can be reliably closed flush, but the hinge device cannot hold the lid at arbitrary angle positions
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring mechanism is extracted and replaced with a guide groove-based positioning system. The guide groove's second portion inherently guides the arm to the predetermined position without requiring separate spring mechanisms, thereby eliminating the need for additional components while maintaining the flush closing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary mechanism that replaces the coil spring's torque application function. Through its geometric shape and friction characteristics, the guide groove mediates the transition of the arm to the predetermined position, achieving flush closing without mechanical springs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both friction plates and coil springs are added to achieve both holding and flush closing functions, then both functions can be realized, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding function and the positioning function are merged into a single guide groove structure. The first guide portion handles arbitrary angle positioning while the second guide portion handles flush closing guidance, combining multiple functions into one integrated component rather than using separate friction plates and springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: friction-based holding, guided positioning, and flush closing assistance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate friction plates and coil springs, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining both required functions.
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
Enables the hinge device to securely hold the second hinge body at arbitrary angles and automatically rotate it towards the rotation limit position, ensuring stable positioning and smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
a friction resistance generation mechanism that provides frictional resistance against a relative rotation of the first and second arms around the intermediate shaft member and eventually provides friction torque against a relative rotation of the second hinge body with respect to the first hinge body
Implementation Method 2
The first hinge body is provided with an energizing member that applies rotation torque toward a rotation limit position to the second hinge body by energizing the first arm
Data Source
AI summary
One end of first and second arms 30 and 40 are rotatably connected to a first hinge body 10 and a second hinge body 20, respectively. The other end of the first arm is guided by a second guide 25 of the second hinge body and the other end of the second arm is guided by a first guide 15 of the first hinge body. Friction torque is applied on the second hinge body by the friction plate 60. The first guide has a main guide portion 15x and a sub-guide portion 15y that is connected to an end of the main guide portion and draws an arc centered on the first shaft member. When the other end of the second arm is on the sub-guide portion, frictional resistance is not received, so that the second hinge body is automatically rotated by the urging member 70.