Poly Axial Hinge With Gearbox For High Load And Wide Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing poly-axial hinges are limited in range of motion and unsuitable for high and very high load applications, particularly when mounting large and thick panels, as they can only swing through approximately 90-100 degrees, which is insufficient for achieving necessary clearance and are often complex and costly due to the need for multiple hinges.
Innovation Solution
A poly-axial hinge design featuring a mounting plate, multiple pivotally coupled arms, adjustable link members, and a gearbox mechanism that allows for a wide range of motion up to 160-180 degrees, incorporating gears and a biasing mechanism to control the opening and closing of the hinge, enabling it to handle high and very high loads while maintaining a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional poly-axial hinges are used for high load applications, then the hinge can support heavy panels, but the range of motion is limited to approximately 90-100 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple arms (first arm, second arm, third arm) connected by pivot points, allowing independent movement of each segment. This segmentation enables the hinge to achieve a wider range of motion while distributing the load across multiple connection points, resolving the contradiction between load bearing capability and range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge incorporates adjustable link members that can be repositioned along the arms, allowing the hinge to dynamically adapt its geometry. This adjustability enables the hinge to maintain structural integrity under heavy loads while achieving extended ranges of motion up to 160-180 degrees, overcoming the limitations of fixed-geometry conventional hinges.
2Length of moving object
If multiple hinges are used to achieve greater range of motion, then the clearance requirement is met, but the cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single hinge assembly performs multiple functions: it provides load bearing capability, achieves extended range of motion (160-180 degrees), and eliminates the need for multiple separate hinges. The multi-functional design integrates the capabilities of what would traditionally require multiple hinges into one unified mechanism, reducing both cost and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple hinges into a single integrated assembly. By combining multiple arms, pivot points, and adjustable link members into one cohesive unit, the hinge achieves the cumulative range of motion that would traditionally require multiple separate hinges, thereby simplifying the overall system.
3Length of moving object
If conventional hinges are used for thick panels, then the panel mounting is achieved, but the hinge footprint becomes large and compromises aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge arms and link members are arranged in a nested configuration where components are positioned within the footprint of other components. This nesting allows the hinge to accommodate thick panels (5-90mm) while maintaining a compact overall footprint, as the adjustable link members can be positioned within the structural envelope of the arms rather than extending outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge utilizes the third dimension (depth) by positioning the adjustable link members along the length of the arms rather than extending the footprint outward. This dimensional reorganization allows the hinge to accommodate varying panel thicknesses while maintaining a compact two-dimensional footprint, preserving aesthetic appeal.
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 high load-bearing capability with an extended range of motion, allowing for the effective mounting of thick panels without the need for multiple hinges, reducing cost and installation complexity while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
said mounting plate includes at least one rigidly fixed first gear, and said third arm includes gear teeth directly or indirectly coupled together with said fixed gear, such that rotation of said second arm with respect to said mounting plate causes rotation of said first arm with respect to said second arm thereby driving the poly axial hinge open and/or closed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A poly axial hinge comprising a mounting plate, a first arm pivotally coupled to a panel mounting element, a second arm pivotally coupled in an scissoring manner with the first arm by a main pivot, and a third arm pivotally coupled to the second arm at a location part way between a first end of said second arm and the main pivot. The mounting plate includes at least one rigidly fixed first gear, and the third arm includes gear teeth directly or indirectly coupled together with the fixed gear, such that rotation of the second arm with respect to said mounting plate causes rotation of the first arm with respect to the second arm, thereby driving the poly axle hinge open and/or closed.