Hinge Gear Disengagement for Stable Closed Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices with free stop mechanisms allow pivotable members to return slightly towards a different position due to frictional resistance, causing protrusion and affecting appearance when pivoted from a closed position.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a disengage mechanism between the first and second gears, which disengages when the pivotable member reaches the closed position, preventing back movement and ensuring it stays in place without frictional resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotational frictional resistance is applied to the second gear portion to hold the pivotable member in place at any angle, then the pivotable member can be positioned stably, but the pivotable member may return slightly toward the different position from the closed position due to reaction force from frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanism is segmented into two distinct gear portions: a first gear portion that engages during pivotal movement to transmit motion, and a second gear portion that engages only when the pivotable member is at the closed position. This segmentation allows the friction member to apply rotational frictional resistance selectively to the second gear portion without affecting the first gear portion, thereby preventing the pivotable member from returning from the closed position while maintaining stable positioning at other angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction member is positioned to apply rotational frictional resistance to the second gear portion in advance before the pivotable member reaches the closed position. This preliminary application of frictional resistance prevents the reaction force from causing the pivotable member to return toward the different position, ensuring the pivotable member stays firmly at the closed position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pivotable member is allowed to pivot freely between closed position and different position, then the hinge device is versatile, but the pivotable member protrudes from the accommodating portion when it moves back, adversely affecting appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The second gear portion acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pivotable member and the friction member. When the pivotable member reaches the closed position, the second gear portion engages with the friction member to apply rotational frictional resistance, preventing the pivotable member from moving back and protruding from the accommodating portion. This intermediary mechanism maintains both the pivoting range and the clean appearance when closed.
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 hinge device effectively prevents the pivotable member from moving back towards the different position, maintaining a stable closed position and enhancing the appearance by eliminating protrusion issues.
Implementation Method 1
The friction member is configured to apply rotational frictional resistance to the second gear
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge device includes a support member, a pivotable member supported by the support member, a first gear located at one of the support member and the pivotable member, a second gear located at the other of the support member and the pivotable member, a friction member configured to apply rotational frictional resistance to the second gear, and means for disengaging. The pivotable member is configured to pivot about a pivot axis between a closed position and a different position where the pivotable member is in a position that is different from the closed position. The second gear is configured to rotate in engagement with the first gear based on pivoting of the pivotable member. When the pivotable member is at the closed position, the means for disengaging disengages the first gear and the second gear from each other.