Integrated Damping Hinge with Internal Damper Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges require extra space for assembly, are expensive to produce, and heavy due to their size and material usage, limiting their application in both high-end and low-end products.
Innovation Solution
A damping hinge design that incorporates a first joining part, a revolving part, a supporting module, a second joining part, a damping module, and a first enforcement frame, where the damping module includes a damper core, a damper holder, and a damper spring, allowing for controlled damping during specific positions of the revolving part's rotation, reducing size and production costs while maintaining structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an iron casting hinge is used to provide better structure strength and accommodate an internal damper, then the hinge can be used in both high-end and low-end products, but it becomes expensive in production cost, larger in size and heavier in weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hinge body and damper into a single integrated structure where the damper is assembled within the hinge body's internal cavity. This merging eliminates the need for separate external dampers and reduces the overall number of components, achieving both structural strength and weight reduction simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper is nested within the hinge body, with the damper core, damper holder, and damper spring arranged in a compact configuration inside the hinge's internal cavity. This nesting approach allows the damper to be housed within the existing hinge structure without significantly increasing external dimensions or weight.
2Strength
If an iron casting hinge with internal damper is used, then the hinge has better structure strength, but it requires larger size and extra assembly space
Solution Approach 1:
The damper components (damper core, damper holder, damper spring) are nested within the hinge body's internal cavity in a space-efficient arrangement. The damper holder is positioned within the cavity, and the damper core moves within the damper holder, utilizing the available internal volume without requiring external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the internal three-dimensional cavity of the hinge body to house the damper mechanism, transitioning from a two-dimensional surface arrangement to a three-dimensional internal arrangement. This allows the damper to be accommodated within the existing hinge volume without increasing external dimensions.
3Weight of stationary object
If a plastic hinge with spring is used, then the hinge is lighter and smaller, but it lacks internal damper space and needs external damper assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge body and damper are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate external damper assembly. The damper is built into the hinge body structure, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the lightweight advantage of plastic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural connection between door and frame, contains the spring mechanism for automatic closing, and houses the damper for controlled closing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external components, reducing assembly complexity.
4Reliability
If an iron casting hinge is used to accommodate an internal damper, then the hinge can provide damping function, but it becomes expensive in production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge body and damper are combined into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This merging reduces the total number of parts, simplifies the supply chain, and lowers production costs while maintaining the damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a plastic hinge body with molded-in cavities and features that accommodate the damper components, changing the material parameter from metal to plastic. This parameter change reduces material cost, manufacturing complexity, and production expense while maintaining the necessary structural and damping 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
The damping hinge reduces size and production costs while maintaining structural strength by providing internal damping without additional assembly space, allowing for efficient operation in both high-end and low-end products.
Implementation Method 1
the damper spring being connected between the second joining part and the damper holder
Implementation Method 2
the damper comprising a damper core and an actuating portion, the damper core being fastened on the damper holder
Data Source
AI summary
A damping hinge includes a first joining part; a revolving part pivotably connected to the first joining part and being capable of revolving among a first position, a second position and a third position; a supporting module arranged within the first joining part for pressing the revolving part to keep the revolving part and the first joining part staying in a relative position; a second joining part fastened to the revolving part for connecting the upper cover; a first enforcement frame arranged on the first joining part; and a damping module including a damper holder pivotably connected to the second joining part, a damper consisting of a damper core fastened on the damper holder as a fixed end and an actuating portion as a free end being able to move up and down, a damper spring connected between the second joining part and the damper holder.