Hinge Assembly Power Transfer Conduit for Privacy Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies face challenges in efficiently conveying electrical power to movable privacy glazing structures, such as windows and doors, as the power supply must be maintained across various positions and during movement, without obstructing the structural movement.
Innovation Solution
The development of hinge assemblies that incorporate a power transfer conduit system, allowing electrical power to be conveyed between a power source and a movable privacy glazing structure, while enabling the structure's movement by using a rotatable pin coupling and channel configuration to guide power transfer conduits through the hinge assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is supplied to movable privacy glazing structures through internal batteries or drivers, then the structure can maintain optical control functionality, but the weight and complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source and power control components from the movable privacy glazing structure itself and relocates them to the stationary frame. The hinge assembly serves as a conduit to deliver power from the external source to the movable structure, eliminating the need for internal batteries or drivers in the moving component.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary component that bridges the stationary power source in the frame and the movable privacy glazing structure. It contains channels that guide power transfer conduits to deliver electrical power during movement, enabling the movable structure to receive power without carrying its own power source.
2Productivity
If power transfer conduits are integrated into the hinge assembly, then power can be conveyed efficiently to movable structures, but the hinge assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transfer function with the mechanical hinge assembly by integrating channels into the hinge structure. The hinge assembly simultaneously performs its mechanical function of moving the privacy glazing structure and its new function of guiding power transfer conduits from the stationary frame to the movable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly becomes a multi-functional component that combines mechanical movement capability with power transmission capability. The same hinge structure that enables physical movement of the glazing structure also contains the channels necessary for efficient power conveyance during that movement.
3Weight of moving object
If power sources are located externally in the frame, then the movable structure weight is reduced, but the hinge assembly must accommodate power transfer conduits during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates channels within the three-dimensional structure of the hinge assembly that accommodate the power transfer conduits. These channels are designed to allow the conduits to flex and move as the hinge rotates, effectively adding a dimensional aspect that accommodates power transfer during rotational movement without obstructing the mechanical function.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, a rotatable pin coupling, and a power transfer conduit. The rotatable pin coupling rotationally couples the second arm to the first arm. The first arm defines a first portion of a channel, the second arm defines a second portion of the channel, and rotatable pin coupling defines a third portion of the channel. The power transfer conduit extends through the first portion of the channel at the first arm, the third portion of the channel at the rotatable pin coupling, and the second portion of the channel at the second arm.