Eccentric Friction Hinge Module for High Locking Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional friction hinges face limitations in providing sufficient dynamic and static friction forces while maintaining durability, as they often require larger diameters or increased axial thickness, leading to instability and decay over time due to complex components and excessive contact surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module comprising eccentrically connected discs and friction plates with a restraining member, forming a crank-like structure that increases frictional contact area without increasing shaft diameter or thickness, allowing for adjustable friction force and improved durability by distributing contact force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the diameter of the shaft is increased to provide larger friction force, then the dynamic friction force and static locking force are improved, but the total diameter of the shaft becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The friction plates are designed to extend axially beyond the shaft diameter, utilizing the axial dimension to increase friction contact area without increasing the radial shaft diameter. This allows the friction force to be enhanced while maintaining a compact shaft size.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction hinge is divided into multiple friction plates stacked along the axial direction. Each friction plate contributes to the total friction force, allowing the system to achieve high friction force through the cumulative effect of multiple smaller contact surfaces rather than relying on a single large contact area.
2Force
If the axial thickness of the shaft is increased to accommodate more washers for larger friction force, then the friction force is improved, but the axial thickness becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The friction plates are designed with optimized dimensions including length, width, and thickness parameters. By adjusting these parameters, the friction contact area is maximized within acceptable axial thickness limits, achieving the desired friction force without excessive axial dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction plates are made of materials with high friction coefficients and good wear resistance properties. This allows the system to achieve high friction force with smaller contact areas and thinner plate dimensions, reducing the overall axial thickness requirement.
3Force
If the number of washers is increased to provide larger friction force, then the friction force is improved, but the components become complicated and have too many contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The friction plates serve multiple functions: they provide friction force, act as structural components connecting to the shaft, and serve as mounting surfaces for fasteners. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated friction elements, simplifying the overall component structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction plates are integrated with the shaft structure through direct attachment or nesting, combining what would otherwise be separate washer-like components into a unified assembly. This reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the overall component structure while maintaining the required friction force.
4Force
If the contact force of the friction surface is increased to provide larger friction force, then the friction force is improved, but the friction surface becomes abraded due to large friction force
Solution Approach 1:
The total friction force is distributed across multiple friction plates with smaller individual contact areas. This segmentation reduces the contact pressure and friction stress on each individual surface, minimizing abrasion and wear while maintaining the required total friction force through the cumulative effect of multiple contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction plates are made of materials with high friction coefficients and excellent wear resistance properties. This allows the system to achieve high friction force with reduced contact pressure, minimizing abrasion and extending the service life of the friction surfaces.
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 hinge module enhances locking force and durability by increasing frictional contact area without enlarging the shaft diameter or thickness, providing stable friction over time and preventing wear, thus addressing the limitations of conventional friction hinges.
Implementation Method 1
each of the friction plates generates a friction force to resist the relative displacement, so as to resist the external force of rotating the hinge module
Implementation Method 2
The discs are eccentrically connected to each other. Each of the friction plates has a circular hole, each of the friction plates is rotatably disposed on one of the discs through the circular hole
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge module includes a plurality of discs, a plurality of friction plates and a restraining member. The discs are eccentrically connected to each other. Each of the friction plates has a circular hole, each of the friction plates is rotatably disposed on one of the discs through the circular hole, and the friction plates contact each other. The restraining member is disposed on the friction plates.