Double articulated device and system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical systems such as folding hangers, hydraulic dams, and vertical blinds often require complex mechanisms and high energy consumption due to the non-use of inherent forces, leading to increased production costs, reduced lifespan, and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A double articulated device and system that utilizes the center of gravity and contextual forces to facilitate movement between open and closed positions with minimal energy consumption, employing a rotating fixture and active elements with edges having two points, allowing for rotational and pivoting movements to achieve stable equilibrium without external energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms with multiple moving components are used to facilitate closing and opening, then the system can achieve reliable operation, but the device complexity increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical element uses its own weight and the variation of contextual forces to facilitate its closing and opening, eliminating the need for additional actuators, springs, or locking mechanisms. The system serves itself by leveraging inherent physical properties rather than requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes unnecessary moving components such as levers, joints, blockers, and locking systems that were previously required to counteract gravitational and contextual forces. By extracting these redundant elements, the design achieves simplicity while maintaining operational reliability through the direct use of inherent forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional mechanisms like levers, joints, and locking systems are introduced to counteract forces, then the system can maintain stability, but the energy consumption increases and component lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical element utilizes its own weight and the variation of contextual forces to facilitate its closing and opening, eliminating the need for additional actuators, springs, or locking mechanisms. The system serves itself by leveraging inherent physical properties rather than requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional mechanisms like levers, joints, and locking systems are introduced to counteract forces, then the system can maintain stability, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes unnecessary moving components such as levers, joints, blockers, and locking systems that were previously required to counteract gravitational and contextual forces. By extracting these redundant elements, the design achieves simplicity while maintaining operational reliability through the direct use of inherent forces.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the mechanical element uses its own weight and variation of contextual forces to facilitate movement, then the energy consumption decreases, but the device design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical element utilizes its own weight and the variation of contextual forces to facilitate its closing and opening, eliminating the need for additional actuators, springs, or locking mechanisms. The system serves itself by leveraging inherent physical properties rather than requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
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 efficient, reliable, and cost-effective operation by leveraging existing forces, reducing energy consumption, and extending the lifespan of components, while maintaining system functionality and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A double articulated device and system that utilizes the center of gravity and contextual forces to facilitate movement between open and closed positions with minimal energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A folding hanger includes a hook extending from an upper end of a hinge pin for suspending the pin. First and second hanger arms each have proximal and distal ends and define a support surface therebetween. Each proximal end has a stop. A knuckle having a hole extends from each proximal end. The pin passes through the holes along an axis, coupling the arms and hook whereby the arms are movable between extended and folded configurations. The stops abut when the arms are extended, and are separated when folded. The hanger has a center of gravity when the arms are extended and suspended by the hook such that the axis is angled relative to vertical in a first direction and the stops bias abutting. The arms each have a center of gravity such that angular movement of the axis past an unstable equilibrium causes the arms to move toward folded.