Hinge Torsion Spring Tension Adjustment via Worm Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges with torsion spiral springs require reassembly to adjust spring tension, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A worm gear mechanism is integrated into the hinge, allowing for adjustable torsion spring tension through a rotary actuating element, enabling tension adjustment without disassembly, with the worm wheel and worm being offset by 90 degrees and limited by stop elements for precise rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the torsion spring tension is adjusted by reassembling the spring in the hinge, then the tension can be changed, but the process is time-consuming and requires disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static spring tension adjustment into a dynamic process. A worm gear mechanism with an adjusting element allows the spring tension to be modified continuously and repeatedly during operation without disassembly. The worm wheel rotates on the hinge axis, and the adjusting element engages with the worm gear to rotate the worm wheel, dynamically adjusting the spring's pre-tension or winding state in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm gear mechanism serves as an intermediary between the adjusting element and the torsion spring. Instead of directly manipulating the spring (which would require disassembly), the adjusting element acts through the worm gear intermediary to indirectly adjust the spring tension. This intermediary mechanism enables tension adjustment while maintaining the assembled state of the hinge.
2Ease of operation
If a worm gear mechanism is added to enable adjustable tension, then immediate adjustment is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The worm wheel serves multiple functions: it is both a component of the worm gear mechanism for tension adjustment and a mounting element for the torsion spring. The adjusting element integrates the handle for manual operation and the engagement mechanism for the worm gear. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite adding adjustment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the worm wheel is rotatably mounted to allow tension adjustment, then adjustment is enabled, but the structural complexity of the axle bearing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rotational mounting function of the worm wheel with the existing axle bearing structure. The worm wheel is rotatably mounted on the hinge axis within the axle bearing, combining the support function of the bearing with the adjustment function of the worm wheel. This integration allows the axle bearing to serve dual purposes: supporting the hinge rotation and accommodating the adjustable spring tension mechanism, thereby minimizing the increase in structural complexity.
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
Enables immediate and convenient adjustment of torsion spring tension, enhancing usability and adaptability without the need for reassembling the spring, ensuring optimal performance in applications like aircraft luggage box closure flaps.
Implementation Method 1
A worm gear mechanism is integrated into the hinge, allowing for adjustable torsion spring tension through a rotary actuating element, enabling tension adjustment without disassembly, with the worm wheel and worm being offset by 90 degrees
Implementation Method 2
The spring tension determines, in particular in the case of the closure flaps of luggage boxes in aircraft provided with such hinges, the automatic opening of the closure flap, which is influenced by spring force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A hinge (1) with a pivotable (2) and a fixed (3) hinge leaf, with a common hollow cylinder-like physical hinge axis (7) with the mathematical axis (4). The hinge axis (7) is rigidly connected to the pivotable (2) hinge leaf and rotatably mounted in an axle bearing (5-1, 5-2), the axle bearing body of which is rigidly connected to the fixed (3) hinge leaf. A torsion spiral spring (8) is arranged in the hinge axis (7), the first (8-1) of its two ends being rigidly connected to the hinge axis (7) and the second (8-2) of its two ends being connected to the axle bearing body of the axle bearing (5-1) via a worm gear consisting of a worm wheel (9) and a worm (6). The worm gear (9) is rotatably arranged in the axle bearing (5-1) about the axis (4) of the hinge axis (7) and is firmly connected to the second (8-2) of the two ends of the torsion spiral spring (8).The rotational adjustment of the worm wheel (9) and thus the adjustment of the tension of the torsion spiral spring (8) is carried out by rotating the worm (6), which is arranged in the stationary part of the axle bearing body of the axle bearing (5-1) and engages in the teeth (9-10) of the worm wheel (9).