Foldable Hinge-Brace Structure for Strength and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable structures face challenges in achieving optimal strength, rigidity, stability, and durability due to limitations in hinge member design, which affect their performance in transitioning between folded and extended configurations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates hinge members with hingedly joined brackets, including flanges and fastening planes for secure attachment, allowing for coordinated movement between structural components, and the use of pivotally attached braces to enhance support and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional hinge members are used in foldable structures, then the structure can be folded and extended, but the strength, rigidity, stability, and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated hinge member design. The hinge member includes a first bracket with a first flange and a second bracket with a second flange, where the flanges are integrally formed with the brackets. This merging of components (brackets and flanges) into unified structures enhances the overall strength and rigidity of the hinge assembly while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through standardized configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge member employs composite structural design by combining different geometric forms and material configurations within the bracket and flange assemblies. The brackets and flanges are configured to work together as composite structures that distribute mechanical loads more effectively, thereby improving strength and durability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hinge members with integrally formed flanges are used, then the rigidity and stability are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are integrally formed with the brackets as unified components, eliminating the need for separate attachment operations. This merging ensures that the flange-bracket connection is inherently rigid and stable, as there are no separate joints or fasteners that could compromise structural integrity. The integral design maintains manufacturing ease by reducing the number of assembly steps and potential failure points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pivotally attached braces are used, then the adjustability and support are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is pivotally attached to the hinge member, enabling dynamic adjustment of the brace position and angle. This pivotal connection allows the structure to adapt to different configurations and loading conditions, improving versatility and adjustability. The dynamic capability is achieved through a simple pivot mechanism that does not significantly increase overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Hinge members and foldable structures incorporating the same are described herein. A foldable structure includes a section, a brace, and a hinge member attaching to the section to enable the section to move between a folded position and an extended position. The hinge member includes a first bracket and a second bracket that are hingedly joined to each other. The first bracket includes a first flange that is integrally formed and extending from the first bracket. The first brace is attached, between the first flange of the first bracket and a surface of a different structure, to the first hinge member.