Pivot Hinge Spreader Mechanism for Stable Binocular Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot hinges for long-range optical instruments, such as binoculars, face challenges in achieving precise and permanent adjustment of pivot resistance due to unintentional changes when locking or pivoting, and require substantial assembly space.
Innovation Solution
A pivot hinge with a spreader device and force transfer surface that allows for adjustable force application along the pivot axis, decoupling joint elements and enabling precise adjustment of pivot resistance without the need for lock nuts, thus reducing assembly space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a clamp with screw and lock nuts is used to adjust pivot resistance, then the pivot resistance can be adjusted, but the clamping force changes unintentionally during locking and pivoting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lock nuts from the adjustment mechanism. Instead of using a traditional clamp with lock nuts that requires substantial assembly space and causes unintentional clamping force changes, the invention extracts the locking function and replaces it with a spreader device that applies continuous axial force through a force transfer surface, eliminating the need for separate locking components and maintaining stable adjustment without unintentional force changes during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a force transfer surface as an intermediary element between the spreader device and the joint elements. This force transfer surface converts the spreading force into a stable axial force that acts on the joint elements, ensuring that the adjustment remains stable and does not change unintentionally during pivoting operations. The intermediary surface provides a reliable force transmission path that maintains adjustment precision
2Reliability
If lock nuts are used in the clamp, then the pivot resistance can be locked, but substantial assembly space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function into the spreader device itself. The spreader device with its adjustable spreader element and force transfer surface combines the adjustment and locking functions in a single integrated mechanism, eliminating the need for separate lock nuts. This merging of functions reduces the assembly space significantly while maintaining reliable locking capability through the continuous axial force application
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional clamp is used, then the joint elements can be connected, but the pivot resistance changes after opening and closing the joint several times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the spreader device to pre-load the joint elements with a controlled axial force before operation. The adjustable spreader element allows the user to set the desired pivot resistance in advance, and the force transfer surface maintains this pre-set force continuously during pivoting operations. This preliminary force application ensures that the adjustment remains permanent and does not change after repeated opening and closing operations
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 solution provides a stable and precise adjustment of pivot resistance that remains unchanged over time, reducing assembly space requirements and allowing users to adjust the detent resistance easily, enhancing the functionality and usability of long-range optical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force transfer surface interacting with the spreader device in order to transfer the spreading force of the spreader device into a force acting from the adjustment device on at least one joint element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a Pivot hinge (1) for a Long-range optical Instrument (10), in particular binocular, comprising:at least two Joint Elements (2, 3) pivotable against each other about a Pivot Axis (4), andan Adjustment Device (5) for adjusting the pivot resistance and/or a Detent (26) between the Joint Elements (2, 3).In order to permit a more accurate and permanent adjustment and to facilitate a space-saving design, the Adjustment Device (5) comprisesa Spreader Device (6) with at least one Spreader Element (7) adjustable along the Pivot Axis (4) andat least one Force Transfer Surface (16) that interacts with the Spreader Device (6) in order to transfer the spreading force of the Spreader Device (6) into a force acting from the Adjustment Device (5) on at least one Joint Element (2, 3), preferably in direction of the Pivot Axis (4).