Hinge with Magnetic Biasing and Adjustable Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges with mechanical biasing elements, such as springs, wear over time and lose torsional force, leading to failure in self-closing or self-opening functions, requiring time-consuming adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design utilizing magnetic elements between two pivotally coupled components to bias the hinge toward a retained position, supplemented by a spring and adjustable braking mechanism, which delays the need for spring tensioning and enhances durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical spring is used to bias the hinge components, then the hinge can self-close or self-open, but the spring loses torsional force over time leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring biasing system with a magnetic biasing system. Magnets are positioned within recesses in the hinge components to provide continuous magnetic attraction force that biases the hinge toward the closed position, eliminating the mechanical spring that degrades over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical mechanism from mechanical elastic force (spring) to magnetic force. The magnetic field strength and polarity are designed to provide sufficient biasing force without requiring adjustment, as magnetic properties do not degrade like mechanical springs.
2Reliability
If spring tension is adjusted to restore biasing force, then the hinge can function again, but the process is time-consuming and requires disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical spring with a magnetic biasing system, the patent eliminates the need for tension adjustment operations. The magnetic force is built into the hinge structure during manufacturing and does not require user adjustment or disassembly to restore functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic biasing system is self-sustaining and does not require user intervention to maintain functionality. The magnetic attraction force continuously provides the biasing action without degrading, eliminating the need for users to perform tensioning maintenance.
3Reliability
If a magnetic element is used instead of a spring, then wear is eliminated and consistency is improved, but the magnetic force must be sufficiently strong to compensate for any potential loss
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge combines magnetic elements with mechanical components in a composite system. The magnetic elements provide the biasing force while the mechanical hinge structure provides the pivot and movement functionality, creating a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both magnetic (no wear) and mechanical (structural integrity) properties.
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 magnetic force maintains the hinge in a retained position without the wear issues of mechanical biasing elements, delaying the need for spring tensioning and ensuring consistent operation.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic force between the first and second magnetic elements bias the first and second hinge components toward a retained position
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge (100) including a first hinge leaf assembly, a second hinge leaf assembly pivotally coupled to the first hinge leaf assembly (101), a spring (138) operatively connected to the first and second hinge leaf assemblies, and a spring tensioning mechanism to adjust the bias of the spring (138). The first hinge leaf assembly includes a first hinge component (101) having a first mounting surface for securing to a first structure and a plurality of first knuckles (114, 115). The second hinge leaf assembly includes a second hinge component having a second mounting surface for securing to a second structure and a second knuckle (123). The spring biases the first hinge leaf assembly and the second hinge leaf assembly toward a closed position, wherein the spring is located with a hollow defined by coaxial alignment of the plurality of first knuckles (114, 115) and the second knuckle (123).