Filled Hinge Assembly for Reliable Aerosol Device Lid Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices face challenges in securely coupling the lid to the aerosol generator independently of the housing, which can affect the device's functionality and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a filled hinge mechanism with a hinge knuckle, hinge dowel pin, and torsion spring allows the lid to pivot around an axis of rotation, providing a secure and independent coupling to the aerosol generator, enabling smooth movement between closed and open positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is coupled to the aerosol generator independently of the housing, then the reliability and functionality of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the hinge knuckle with knuckle structures for attachment, the hinge dowel pin for alignment and connection, and the torsion spring for providing rotational force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lid and aerosol generator, enabling independent coupling without requiring direct integration with the housing. The hinge knuckle, dowel pin, and torsion spring work together as an intermediate coupling system that provides both reliability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge mechanism includes a torsion spring and dowel pin, then the ease of operation is improved through smooth pivoting motion, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring is configured to automatically engage and disengage from the hinge knuckle structures during lid rotation, providing self-regulating mechanical force. The spring's elastic properties allow it to accommodate minor manufacturing variations while maintaining smooth operation, reducing the stringency of precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism utilizes elastic deformation of the torsion spring to accommodate variations in component dimensions. By changing the physical state of the spring from compressed to extended during operation, the system can tolerate certain manufacturing tolerances while maintaining smooth pivoting motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge knuckle structures are spaced apart to define a central cavity, then the adaptability is improved for accommodating various components, but the strength of the hinge connection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge dowel pin is nested within the central cavity defined by the spaced-apart knuckle structures. This nested arrangement allows the dowel pin to provide structural reinforcement while the knuckle structures maintain their spaced configuration for component accommodation. The torsion spring is also nested within the cavity, creating a compact multi-component assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly combines different material properties: the rigid knuckle structures provide structural framework, the dowel pin provides precise alignment and connection strength, and the torsion spring provides elastic flexibility. This composite approach allows the hinge to simultaneously achieve strength and adaptability.
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 enhances the usability and reliability of the device by allowing seamless lid operation, improving user interaction and maintaining the integrity of the aerosol generation process.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion spring may include a spring coil. The spring coil may surround at least a portion of the hinge dowel pin between the two knuckle structures within the central cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol generator, a housing exposing an upper portion of the aerosol generator, a lid, and a filled hinge fixedly coupling the lid to the aerosol generator independently of the housing. The filled hinge defines an axis of rotation crossing a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. The filled hinge includes a hinge knuckle including two knuckle structures spaced apart from each other along the axis of rotation to at least partially define opposite axial ends of a central cavity therebetween, a hinge dowel pin coupled between the two knuckle structures and extending along the axis of rotation between the two knuckle structures, and a torsion spring configured to at least contact the lid, the torsion spring including a spring coil surrounding at least a portion of the hinge dowel pin between the two knuckle structures within the central cavity.