Hinge system with adjustable resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable hinges for human manikins suffer from limited precision in resistance adjustment, increased wear, and relaxation of set resistance over time, making them unsuitable for accurately simulating human joint movements.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable resistance hinge system comprising a central element with elongate arms and biasing devices that engage with keeping elements to resist motion, allowing for precise adjustment of resistance without increasing friction, and incorporating compression springs and retaining fasteners for fine tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If screw adjustable features are used to increase friction within the hinge, then resistance adjustment is achieved, but precision fine tuning is limited and wear increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-adjustment friction-based mechanical system with a spring-based elastic mechanism. The spring applies controlled force to the articulating member through a bearing surface, eliminating the need for friction-based resistance adjustment. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing precise resistance control through spring compression rather than friction, thereby reducing wear and maintaining stable resistance settings over time.
2Force
If traditional adjustable hinges are used, then resistance control is provided, but precision fine tuning of resistance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables precise resistance adjustment by changing the compression parameter of the spring. By varying the compression distance of the spring against the articulating member, the resistance force can be finely tuned to match specific anthropometric joint characteristics. This continuous parameter adjustment capability provides superior precision compared to discrete screw-based friction mechanisms.
3Force
If friction-based resistance adjustment is used, then resistance is increased, but friction within the hinge increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes the friction-based resistance mechanism with an elastic spring-based mechanism. The spring generates resistance force through compression and expansion rather than through friction between contacting surfaces. This eliminates the harmful friction effect while maintaining the desired resistance control, allowing the hinge to provide accurate joint simulation without generating excessive friction that would degrade performance over time.
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 system provides a variable and adjustable resistance hinge that accurately replicates human joint movements, reducing friction and maintaining resistance over time, suitable for simulating human physiology in manikins.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second biasing device engageable with the first and the second elongate arms, respectively... wherein the first and the second biasing devices engage the central element to resist relative motion of the first and the second articulating members about the hinge axis
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable resistance hinge system for a joint connecting at least a first articulating member and a second articulating member, the hinge system comprising a central element defining a hinge axis. The central element comprises a first and a second elongate arm, each elongate arm extending away from the hinge axis, and a first and a second keeping element hinging on the hinge axis are attached to the first and the second articulating members, respectively. A first and a second biasing device are also engageable with the first and the second elongate arms, respectively. The first and the second elongate arms extend into the first and the second articulating members, respectively, and the first and the second biasing devices engage the central element to resist relative motion of the first and the second articulating members about the hinge axis. The adjustable resistance hinge system allows two joined members to be adjusted to replicate desired physiology, limits, and resistance.