Plastic Hinge with Radial Insertion Sleeve for Controlled Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges made of plastics material require complex assembly processes and are expensive due to the need for precise preassembly and separate production, with limited braking moments and pivot travel control, making them unsuitable for frequent use in applications like motor vehicle storage compartments.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a bearing sleeve with a longitudinal gap on one component and a matching insertion sleeve on the other, allowing radial connection without a pin, with presettable friction through resilient design and optional metal elements, enabling defined braking moments and pivot travel limitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If classic plastics material hinges are used with pin connection, then the hinge provides sufficient strength and durability, but the assembly process becomes complex and expensive due to precise preassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the pin connection element from the hinge assembly. Instead of using a separate pin that requires precise preassembly and securing operations, the hinge elements are designed to connect directly through complementary geometric features (male-female connection elements) that integrate the connection function into the hinge bodies themselves, eliminating the need for separate pins and complex assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the connection function with the hinge body structure. The first and second hinge elements incorporate integrated connection elements (protrusions and recesses) that combine the structural support and connection functions into a single unified component, eliminating the need for separate pins and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity
2Strength
If separate production and mounting of hinge halves is performed, then the hinge provides secure connection, but the production cost increases due to high assembly effort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates pre-formed connection elements (protrusions and recesses) into the hinge bodies during the molding process. These connection features are prepared in advance as integral parts of the hinge elements, eliminating the need for separate preassembly operations and reducing manual assembly effort while maintaining strong connections
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge elements are designed with self-aligning and self-connecting features. The complementary geometric shapes of the connection elements automatically guide the hinge halves into proper alignment and secure them together through simple insertion, eliminating the need for skilled manual assembly operations and reducing production costs
3Weight of moving object
If film hinge is used for lightweight components, then the hinge is light and economical, but the loading capability is limited and breakage occurs in frequent use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses plastics material for the hinge elements, which provides a composite solution combining the light weight and economic manufacturing advantages of plastics with the strength and durability previously only achievable with metal. The molded plastic structure with integrated connection elements offers both lightweight construction and sufficient mechanical strength for frequent use applications
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
Facilitates easy assembly, reduces costs, and provides controlled braking and pivot travel, making the hinges suitable for frequent use in applications like motor vehicle storage compartments and other movable components.
Implementation Method 1
At least the insertion sleeve has at least one sleeve wall section which extends at one side of the longitudinal gap and is of resilient construction
Implementation Method 2
Through material selection or by constructional design these components are suitable for exerting a defined braking moment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hinge for pivotable connection of two components (1, 2), consisting of at least one first round hinge element (3, 4) at the first component (1) and at least one corresponding second round hinge element (5, 6) at the second component (2), which hinge elements (3, 5; 4, 6) are connected together to be rotatable about the center axis. The first hinge element (3, 4) is a bearing sleeve (7, 8) with a longitudinal gap, by way of which an insertion sleeve (11, 12), similarly provided with a longitudinal gap (13, 14), as second hinge element (5, 6) can be rotated into place in its entirety.