Hinge Pin Tapered Surface Braking Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices for attaching lids, such as those in vehicle center consoles, face challenges in providing sufficient braking force while increasing production costs due to complex structures and additional parts required for frictional and stopper mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device design featuring pin members with compression or extension springs that apply braking force at two points through tapered pressure contact surfaces, reducing the number of parts and assembly processes, and eliminating the need for additional stoppers or caulkings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction plate and compression coil spring are used to provide braking force, then the lid can be held at arbitrary opening angles, but the structure becomes complex and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the braking function with the support shaft itself by forming a tapered surface on the shaft. The pin member presses against this tapered surface to generate braking force, eliminating the need for separate friction plates and springs. This integration reduces structural complexity while maintaining the free stop function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides rotational support for the lid and simultaneously generates braking force through its tapered surface. The pin member acts as both a support element and a braking mechanism by pressing against the tapered surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed.
2Reliability
If caulking or C-ring is added to prevent support shaft from slipping out, then the support shaft is fixed securely, but the number of parts and assembling processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing function is integrated into the pin member design. The pin member has a head portion that abuts against the tapered surface of the support shaft, and its outer peripheral surface is pressed by the compression spring to engage with the shaft. This eliminates the need for separate caulking or C-ring components while securely preventing the support shaft from slipping out.
3Device complexity
If braking force is applied only by one end side of the compression coil spring, then the structure is simple, but sufficient braking force may not be obtained when the lid is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism is merged into the support shaft through the tapered surface. The pin member presses against this tapered surface at two locations (both ends of the shaft), generating braking force throughout the entire length of the shaft. This distributed braking force is sufficient even for heavy lids while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 enhances braking force stability and reduces production costs by applying braking force at multiple points, ensuring the lid can be securely stopped at arbitrary angles and slowly closed without sudden movements.
Implementation Method 1
a braking force generated in the pressure contact surfaces, the braking force can be increased
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring supported between the pin members to push the pin members to come into contact with the first member
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge device including: a first member having a pair of pin insertion holes; a second member having a pair of pin support holes; a pair of pin members respectively inserted into the pin insertion holes and the pin support holes to support the first member and the second member, the pin members being rotatable with respect to the pin insertion holes and not rotatable with respect to the pin support holes; a spring supported between the pin members to bring the pin members into contact with the first member; and pressure contact surfaces provided between the pin members and the first member being brought into contact with each other by the spring.