Hydraulic Hinge Damper Assembly for Controlled State Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge assemblies with damping units exhibit differing damping forces during conversion to first and second states, leading to complexity and difficulty in assembly and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A damper device comprising an outer cylinder, inner cylinder, piston, check valve, and piston rod, integrated with a hinge assembly that includes a first and second hinge plate, guiding stem, and slidable shaft, allowing for adjustable damping forces through camming action and fluid communication, enabling simplified assembly and controlled movement between hinge positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional damping units are used in hinge assemblies, then damping force is provided, but the structure becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the damping unit and actuating unit into a single integrated damper device. The piston rod connects directly to the hinge plate, merging force generation and damping functions into one compact assembly, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining both damping and actuating capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The damper device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides damping force through fluid resistance, generates actuating force through camming action, and controls hinge movement between positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate damping and actuating units, simplifying the overall hinge assembly structure
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional damping units with differing damping forces are used, then state conversion is enabled, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camming mechanism between the cam surface and follower that dynamically adjusts the actuating force based on the hinge angle. As the hinge transitions between positions, the cam profile varies the mechanical advantage, enabling smooth state conversion without requiring complex multi-force damping units
Solution Approach 2:
The damping unit uses hydraulic fluid and a check valve to provide controlled resistance during hinge movement. The fluid passes through an orifice that creates damping force proportional to velocity, enabling smooth and controlled state transitions while simplifying the mechanical structure compared to purely mechanical spring-based systems
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 damper device provides a simplified structure for hinge assemblies with adjustable damping forces, facilitating easier assembly and controlled movement, ensuring consistent damping performance across different hinge positions.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve is coupled to the passageway in a manner to permit a unidirectional flow of the working fluid from the lower sub-chamber to the upper sub-chamber
Implementation Method 2
when the piston slides toward the proximate position, the working fluid in the upper sub-chamber is forced to flow to the lower sub-chamber through the vent hole, the clearance, and the lower open end
Implementation Method 3
an upper rod end which is mounted to the piston to permit the piston to slide with the piston rod such that sliding of the piston rod is dampened by sliding of the piston in the inner chamber
Implementation Method 4
by virtue of camming action between the top camming region and the bottom follower region, the enlarged head is elevated by the guiding stem from a lower position to an upper position
Data Source
AI summary
A damper device includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder disposed inside the outer cylinder and having an inner chamber, a lower open end, and an upper closed end wall with a vent hole, a piston disposed in the inner chamber and having a passageway, a check valve coupled to the passageway to permit only upward flowing of a working fluid in the inner chamber through the passageway, and a piston rod having a lower rod end disposed outwardly of the outer cylinder, and an upper rod mounted to permit the piston to slide with the piston rod. The sliding of the piston rod is dampened by sliding of the piston in the inner chamber. A hinge assembly including the damper device is also disclosed.