Offset Bearing Hinge with Integrated Spiral Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft overhead compartments face challenges with conventional hinges that occupy significant space, are susceptible to damage, and function poorly in cold temperatures, reducing usable storage area and complicating maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a flat spiral spring with offset bearings, a torque adjustment mechanism, and a protective housing, allowing for compact integration and controlled opening, while using a gear drive to transmit torque efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hinges with gas springs are used, then the opening function is achieved, but the storage space is reduced and the system becomes vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the hinge mechanism and spring element into a single integrated unit where the spring is anchored within the hinge structure itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate gas springs mounted inside the compartment, thereby maximizing storage space while maintaining reliable opening functionality through the integrated spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is nested within the hinge structure, with the spring anchored at two points within the hinge assembly. This nesting approach allows the spring to be contained within the existing hinge footprint rather than requiring additional space inside the compartment, thus preserving storage capacity while ensuring durable operation.
2Ease of operation
If hinges are installed to enable opening, then the opening function is achieved, but the available storage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is extracted from the compartment interior and repositioned within the hinge mechanism itself. This extraction removes the space-consuming component from the storage area while maintaining the opening function through the hinge-integrated spring, thereby maximizing the usable storage surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to operate in the vertical dimension along the compartment edge, with the spring providing torque in the rotational plane. This dimensional arrangement allows the opening mechanism to function without encroaching on the horizontal storage surface area, effectively separating the operational dimension from the storage dimension.
3Force
If gas springs are used to facilitate opening, then the opening force is sufficient, but the system fails in low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces temperature-sensitive gas springs with a simple metal spring element that operates reliably across a wide temperature range. While the metal spring provides sufficient opening force through elastic deformation, it avoids the temperature-dependent performance issues of gas springs, ensuring consistent operation in cold environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element's material properties and geometric parameters are optimized to maintain adequate opening force across varying temperatures. By selecting appropriate material characteristics and spring dimensions, the system achieves temperature-insensitive performance, eliminating the low-temperature failure mode associated with gas springs.
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 provides a compact, durable, and space-saving hinge that maintains functionality in various temperatures and protects components from damage, enhancing storage capacity and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a tensionable spring element (34) arranged at the second bearing (18)
Implementation Method 2
The teeth engage positively with the gear-shaped section of the drive wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge (10) comprising a swivellable hinge part (12), a stationary hinge part (14) and a tensionable spring element (34), wherein the stationary hinge part (14) is designed with a first bearing (16) as well as a second bearing (18), wherein the bearings (16, 18) have swivel axes (Si, Sa) that are offset to one another. According to the invention, the swivellable hinge part (12) is mounted on the stationary hinge part (14) via the first bearing (16) such that it can swivel about a swivel axis (Si), and the tensionable spring element (34) is arranged on the stationary hinge part (14) via the second bearing (18).