Hinge Assembly with Hydraulic Damping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge arrangements lack effective damping mechanisms to control the relative movement between hinge parts, leading to uncontrolled pivoting and potential damage or discomfort in applications like waste containers and furniture fittings.
Innovation Solution
A hinge arrangement featuring a first axial projection and an arcuate groove with a damping fluid, where the projection and groove are designed to coordinate the movement, allowing the fluid to flow through defined gaps to dampen the relative movement between the hinge parts, with adjustable geometry to optimize damping behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge arrangement allows free pivoting movement between hinge parts, then ease of operation is improved, but uncontrolled movement causes damage or discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic damping mechanism where damping fluid flows through channels in the piston during pivoting movement. The fluid resistance provides controlled damping force that limits movement speed while allowing smooth operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and control of harmful uncontrolled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping characteristics are adjusted by changing parameters such as piston hole geometry, damping fluid viscosity, and chamber volume. These parameter changes allow the hinge to provide appropriate damping force to control movement speed without restricting necessary pivoting operation, addressing both ease of operation and prevention of uncontrolled movement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a damping mechanism is added to control hinge movement, then harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping mechanism is merged with the hinge structure by integrating the piston, damping fluid chamber, and sealing elements directly into the hinge assembly. This combination allows the damping function to be achieved without adding separate external components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while still providing effective control of uncontrolled pivoting.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the pivot connection between hinge parts, incorporates damping to control movement speed, and includes sealing to contain damping fluid. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while effectively addressing uncontrolled pivoting.
3Reliability
If damping fluid is contained in a closed chamber, then damping effectiveness is improved, but risk of fluid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing elements such as O-rings or seals are introduced as intermediaries between the damping fluid and the external environment. These sealing components prevent fluid leakage while allowing the damping mechanism to maintain effective containment of the damping fluid in the chamber, thus preserving damping performance without creating harmful leakage.
4Strength
If the hinge structure is made robust for high-load applications, then strength is improved, but movement control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic damping mechanism uses viscous fluid resistance to provide movement control independent of the structural strength of hinge components. Even in robust high-load hinge designs, the damping fluid flows through controlled channels to provide speed limitation, ensuring movement control is maintained regardless of the increased structural rigidity required for high load capacity.
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 solution effectively limits the movement speed of the second hinge part relative to the first, providing controlled and damped pivoting motion, suitable for high-load applications while preventing fluid escape and allowing for adjustable damping properties.
Implementation Method 1
a damping fluid is accommodated, which is designed to dampen a relative movement of the first hinge pin provided with the first axial projection relative to the first hinge sleeve
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge arrangement (1) with a first hinge part (4) and with a second hinge part (5) which are pivotably connected to each other, wherein a first hinge pin (15) is formed on the first hinge part (4), on which a first hinge sleeve (26) is pivotably mounted, which forms a first sliding bearing (2) with the first hinge pin (15), wherein a dimensionally stable support part (7) is connected to the first hinge sleeve (26).According to the invention, a first axial projection (55) is formed on a first axial end face (54) of the first hinge pin (15), which engages in an arc-shaped first groove (62) of the first hinge sleeve (26), wherein a circumferential first side wall (65) of the first groove (62) together with the first axial end face (54) and an inner side (83) of an end cap (82) fixed at the end of the first hinge sleeve (26) defines a working space (91) which is filled with a damping fluid to dampen a relative movement of the first axial projection (55) with respect to the first groove (62).