Deployable Rolling Joint for Compact Hinge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rolling joint hinges are often too large for space-constrained applications and have high manufacturing costs due to the need for separate components and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A deployable rolling joint is designed, comprising two joint members connected by flexures, which can transition from a compact, flat state to a deployed state where they form convex surfaces that roll against each other, allowing for angular movement while being manufactured from a single sheet of material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional rolling joint hinges are used, then the hinge provides rolling motion capability, but the size is too large for space-constrained applications
Solution Approach 1:
The joint members transition from a flat, compact configuration to a deployed configuration with convex surfaces that enable rolling motion. This dynamic transformation allows the hinge to be small during storage/transport and only assume its functional rolling form when needed, resolving the contradiction between compact size and rolling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The joint members utilize out-of-plane deformation to create convex surfaces from initially flat structures. By bending in the third dimension, the flat joint members transform into three-dimensional rolling surfaces without increasing the overall footprint when stowed, addressing the size versus functionality contradiction
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional rolling joint hinges are used, then the hinge provides rolling motion, but the manufacturing cost is high due to separate components and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements (joint members, flexures, and rolling surfaces) are integrated into a single monolithic structure formed from one piece of material. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and assembly operations, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the rolling motion functionality through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties and geometric parameters are optimized to enable a single-piece structure to perform functions that traditionally required multiple components. By changing the material formability parameters and geometric configuration, the monolithic structure achieves the same rolling functionality as conventional multi-component hinges
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and provides a compact, space-efficient hinge suitable for various applications, including medical devices and aerospace, with the ability to roll without lubrication and facilitate smaller incisions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of flexures coupled to the first deployable joint member and the second deployable joint member... configured to hold the first deployable joint member and the second deployable joint member together
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a device may include a deployable rolling joint having a first deployable joint member, a second deployable joint member, and a plurality of flexures coupled to the first deployable joint member and the second deployable joint member. The deployable rolling joint may move from an undeployed state to a deployed state in which the first deployable joint member forms a convex surface portion and the second deployable joint member forms a convex surface portion. When the deployable rolling joint is in the deployed state, the convex surface portion of the first deployable joint member may roll with respect the convex surface portion of the second deployable joint member, and the plurality of flexures may hold the first deployable joint member and the second deployable joint member together as the first deployable joint member and the second deployable joint member roll across each other.