Hinge Damper With Lobed Core For Panel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges in imaging devices, such as printers, cause doors or panels to be difficult to control during opening and closing due to weight-related issues, often resulting in slamming or bouncing movements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a damping mechanism in the hinges, featuring a lobed core and a sleeve, which provides resistance to rotation, allowing for smoother opening and closing of access doors or panels by increasing pressure between the core and the hinge members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hinges are used to connect access panels to device bodies, then the panels can be opened while remaining attached, but the panels become difficult to control during opening and closing due to weight-related issues
Solution Approach 1:
The damping mechanism generates a counteracting force that opposes the gravitational force acting on the panel. The friction between the lobed core and sleeve creates a resistive torque that balances the weight-induced moment, allowing the panel to be held at various positions and controlled during opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the panel and the hinge connection. It introduces a controlled friction interface through the lobed core and sleeve interaction, mediating the force transmission and providing smooth, controllable motion rather than direct rigid connection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional hinges are used without damping, then the structure remains simple, but the panels produce slamming or bouncing movements during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The damping mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by continuously applying a friction-based resistive force during panel motion. The lobed core and sleeve arrangement ensures that damping action is present throughout the opening and closing sequence, preventing sudden impacts and oscillations before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction between the lobed core and sleeve, which inherently creates resistance, is converted into a beneficial damping effect. The weight of the panel and gravitational forces that cause slamming are transformed into controlled motion through the friction interface, turning the harmful effect into a smoothing mechanism.
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 damping mechanism facilitates gradual motion when opening or closing the hinged device, reducing the impact of gravity and preventing slamming or bouncing, thus improving control and smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
the lobed core forces the sleeve against either the first or second member, resulting in a resistance to the rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An example device includes a first member, a second member, and a hinge. The hinge pivotably couples the first member to the second member. The hinge includes a damper. The damper includes core, and the core has a lobed portion. In another example, a device includes a first mounting member, a second mounting member, a first connector pivotably coupled to the first mounting member at a first hinge and to the second mounting member at a second hinge, a second connector pivotably coupled to the first mounting member at a third hinge and to the second mounting member at a fourth hinge, and a damper positioned at least at one of the first hinge, second hinge, third hinge or the fourth hinge, the damper including core with lobed portion.