Dual Cam Hinge Damper for Impact Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damper assemblies for toggle type hinges, such as those used on kitchen cupboards, face issues with distortion and potential jamming or fracture under high impact loads due to radial forces generated by slammed doors, which can destabilize the piston within the cylinder and lead to improper engagement.
Innovation Solution
A dual camming device mechanism is introduced, where a first camming device engages at lower loads and a second camming device activates at higher loads, spreading the load and providing a more direct force transmission to minimize destabilization, with the second camming device positioned centrally to enhance stability and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camming device is used to convert rotational movement to linear actuation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates under high impact loads due to distortion and potential jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The single camming device is segmented into two separate camming devices (first and second camming devices) with distinct functions. The first camming device handles normal operational loads, while the second camming device is specifically designed to engage under high impact loads to prevent piston destabilization. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific load condition, improving overall reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between one and two camming devices based on load conditions. During normal operation, only the first camming device is engaged, maintaining simplicity. When impact loads exceed a threshold, the second camming device automatically engages to provide additional stability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the system complexity according to actual operational needs.
2Productivity
If the camming device is positioned to provide direct force transmission, then the productivity is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to radial forces destabilizing the piston
Solution Approach 1:
The second camming device acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the high impact radial forces and the piston. It provides an additional force transmission path that counteracts the destabilizing radial forces generated during impact, allowing the first camming device to maintain its direct force transmission configuration for productivity while the second device ensures stability during critical moments.
3Reliability
If a dual camming device mechanism is introduced to distribute radial forces, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire camming device system complex, the patent applies local quality by adding the second camming device only at the specific location where impact loads are most severe. The first camming device remains simple for normal operation, while the second device is strategically positioned to handle only the high-impact scenarios, thus improving reliability with minimal increase in overall complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the second camming device is positioned centrally to enhance stability, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two camming devices are positioned asymmetrically relative to each other, with the second camming device offset from the first. This asymmetric arrangement allows the second device to specifically counteract radial forces in the critical impact direction while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The asymmetric positioning is more efficient than a symmetric dual-device arrangement, providing stability with minimized complexity.
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 dual camming device mechanism effectively reduces the risk of piston jamming and fracture by distributing the radial forces more evenly, ensuring stable operation even under heavy impact loads and allowing for adjustable damping response.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism for converting rotational movement of the hinge in at least part of one direction into linear actuation of the damping device, wherein the movement converting mechanism comprises a first camming device and a separate second camming device
Implementation Method 2
a linear damping device... containing a damping fluid such as silicone... designed to produce a damped resistive force upon its compression
Implementation Method 3
with a compression spring (not shown) biasing the piston rod towards its extended position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A damper assembly is provided for a toggle-type hinge (41). The assembly comprises a linear damping device (10'), which is mounted via a radiussed groove (44) on a flange (43) of the hinge and held in place by a housing (45). A wing (16') on the damping device is contactable by an arm (42) of the hinge in its closing movement. A mechanism converts closing movement of the hinge into linear actuation of the damping device. This mechanism includes two camming surfaces (19', 25') on the flange. A first one of these normally engages with the damping device, with the second one also engaging if the transmitted force exceeds a predetermined threshold.