Directional Damping Hinge Assemblage for Collision-Free Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges face issues with severe collisions during high-speed pivotal movement and excessive damping, which either leads to collisions or retards the movement, making them unsuitable for smooth operation between initial and open states.
Innovation Solution
The hinge assemblage incorporates a leaf mechanism, an actuating unit, and a damping unit, featuring a tubular member, connecting axle, and a hydraulic module with a follower member, allowing for controlled movement between initial and open states with varying damping forces based on direction, preventing collisions while facilitating smooth transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a damping device is employed to damp the relative pivotal movement between first and second leaves toward the initial state, then severe collision between first and second objects is prevented, but the relative pivotal movement away from the initial state is considerably retarded
Solution Approach 1:
The damping force is made directional through the configuration of the damping device with respect to the pivotal axis. The damping device provides high damping force only during the return movement toward the initial state, while allowing free movement during the opening movement away from the initial state. This is achieved by orienting the damping element such that it engages only in one direction of rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping characteristic is made dynamic and state-dependent. The damping force varies based on the instantaneous state of the hinge - providing strong damping when needed (return to initial state) and minimal damping when not needed (opening movement). This dynamic behavior is achieved through the mechanical configuration of the damping device that responds differently to different directions of movement.
2Ease of operation
If no damping device is employed, then the relative pivotal movement away from the initial state is not retarded, but severe collision occurs during high-speed return movement
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is localized to specific conditions (return movement toward initial state) rather than being applied uniformly to all movements. The damping device is positioned and configured to activate only when the hinge returns toward the initial state, leaving the opening movement unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping characteristic is made dynamic and state-dependent. The damping force varies based on the instantaneous state of the hinge - providing strong damping when needed (return to initial state) and minimal damping when not needed (opening movement). This dynamic behavior is achieved through the mechanical configuration of the damping device that responds differently to different directions of movement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If damping force is increased to prevent collision, then severe collision is avoided, but the hinge operation becomes sluggish and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping force is applied locally to specific conditions (return movement toward initial state) rather than uniformly to all movements. The damping device is positioned and configured to activate only when the hinge returns toward the initial state, leaving the opening movement unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping characteristic is made dynamic and state-dependent. The damping force varies based on the instantaneous state of the hinge - providing strong damping when needed (return to initial state) and minimal damping when not needed (opening movement). This dynamic behavior is achieved through the mechanical configuration of the damping device that responds differently to different directions of movement.
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 solution enables smooth and controlled pivotal movement between the initial and open states, preventing severe collisions by adjusting damping forces dynamically, ensuring efficient operation and reducing wear and tear on connected objects.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic module is disposed in the oil tube for generating a damping force upon the movement of the follower member relative to the oil tube
Implementation Method 2
a torsion spring 123 that has two opposite end portions respectively fixed to the core axle 121 and the inner tube 122 for providing restoring torque
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assemblage includes a leaf mechanism, an actuating unit and a damping unit. The leaf mechanism includes a first leaf, and a second leaf pivotable relative to the first leaf such that the hinge assemblage is convertible between first and second states. The actuating unit is mounted to the leaf mechanism, and generates an actuating force during the conversion of the hinge assemblage. The damping unit is mounted to the leaf mechanism for generating a damping force. The damping force generated by the damping unit during the conversion of the hinge assemblage toward the first state is different from the damping force generated by the damping unit during the conversion of the hinge assemblage toward the second state.