Hinge Assembly Segmentation for Large Pivot Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinge assemblies in construction vehicles face maintenance challenges due to exposure to environmental influences and increased wear from dirt particles, especially when pivot angles exceed 40°, leading to high maintenance needs and wear issues.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly design featuring slide bearings made of materials like steel, bronze, or composite materials with a low-friction PTFE layer, allowing for large pivot angles up to 40° with minimal maintenance, incorporating flange-like enlargements for reduced friction and optimized movement, and a gimbal-like connection for durable performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ball joint with sliding spherical surface is used to achieve large tilt angles exceeding 40°, then the pivot angle capability is improved, but the sliding spherical surface comes out of the range of the slide surface and is directly exposed to environmental influences, requiring regular maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into two independent hinge points: a first hinge point for rotation around the first axis, and a second hinge point for rotation around the third axis. This segmentation allows each hinge point to operate independently within its own bearing surface, preventing the sliding surface from coming out of range even at large pivot angles, thereby eliminating the need for regular maintenance while maintaining adaptability for large tilt angles
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single spherical sliding surface to a two-dimensional gimbal structure with orthogonal rotation axes. By adding the second hinge point rotating around the third axis (perpendicular to the second axis), the system achieves large tilt angles through combined rotations in two dimensions, keeping both sliding surfaces within their effective ranges at all times
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ball joint with sliding spherical surface is used to achieve large tilt angles, then the pivot angle capability is improved, but dirt particles are brought into the interior of the hinge assembly via the slide surface, causing increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hinge into two separate hinge points with orthogonal rotation axes, each hinge point maintains its sliding surface within a controlled range of motion. This prevents dirt particles from being drawn into the hinge assembly through the slide surface, significantly reducing wear while preserving the capability for large pivot angles
Solution Approach 2:
The second hinge point acts as an intermediary that enables large tilt angles through rotation around the third axis, while the first hinge point handles rotation around the first axis. This intermediary structure ensures that neither sliding surface is exposed to environmental contaminants, preventing dirt particle ingress and reducing wear
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 design results in a maintenance-free or low-maintenance hinge assembly with reduced wear, suitable for harsh environments, enabling reliable operation in construction vehicles by minimizing exposure to environmental factors and wear, thus enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve is preferably made of steel, bronze, plastic or a composite material. In the embodiment that comprises the composite material, a sleeve (e.g., made of steel) provides the essential mechanical stability and a slidable layer, e.g., made of PTFE, can be applied to the sleeve, e.g., by rolling-in or running-in of PTFE powder.
Implementation Method 2
In a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, an axial end-side portion of the sleeve includes a flange-like enlargement (extension in the radial direction) or flange, which comprises an axial slip surface that provides a low friction surface during start-up.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly comprises a first machine part having a first axis, a second machine part having a second axis and a hinge part pivotably connecting the first machine part with the second machine part. The first machine part is connected with the hinge part via at least one first hinge point configured to permit rotation of the first machine part around the first axis relative to the hinge part. The second machine part is connected with the hinge part via at least one second hinge point configured to permit rotation of the second machine part around the third axis relative to the hinge part. The third axis is perpendicular to the second axis.