Spring Hinge Base Segmented Steel Engagement Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring hinges with elastic elements made of materials like copper, aluminum, iron, and plastic fiber are prone to deformation and failure due to high-pressure torsional movements, leading to shortened operational life, as they lack sufficient strength to handle heavy door leaves.
Innovation Solution
A spring hinge base structure featuring separate cover and engagement members made of different materials, where the engagement member, typically made of stiffer materials like heat-treated steel, supports the elastic element to withstand high torsional forces without deformation, and the use of internal and external threads ensures smooth torsion without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the base is made of soft materials like copper, aluminum, iron, zinc alloy or plastic fiber, then the manufacturing is easy and cost is low, but the base is easily deformed and severely worn, causing failure of the torsion
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into two separate members: a cover made of soft material (copper, aluminum, iron, zinc alloy or plastic fiber) and an engagement member made of hard material (heat-treated steel). The cover is easily manufactured while the engagement member provides the necessary strength and wear resistance to support the elastic element under high-frequency movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the base have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The cover uses soft materials for ease of manufacture and aesthetic purposes, while the engagement member uses hard heat-treated steel specifically at the location where the elastic element is mounted to provide localized strength and wear resistance.
2Quantity of substance
If the base is made of soft materials like copper, aluminum, iron, zinc alloy or plastic fiber, then the production cost is low, but the operational life is shortened due to deformation and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into a cover and an engagement member that can be manufactured separately and assembled. The cover can be produced at low cost using conventional processes for soft materials, while the engagement member is produced separately with the required durability. This segmentation allows cost-effective production while ensuring long operational life through the hardened engagement member.
Solution Approach 2:
The base functions as a composite structure combining soft materials (cover) and hard materials (engagement member made of heat-treated steel). This composite approach allows the inexpensive cover to provide aesthetic and functional coverage while the hardened engagement member ensures long-term durability and resistance to wear from high-frequency torsional movements.
3Productivity
If the cover and engagement member are made as one integral piece, then the production yield and efficiency are high, but the strength and bearing performance are insufficient to handle heavy door leaves
Solution Approach 1:
The cover and engagement member are made as separate components that are assembled together. The cover can be manufactured using high-volume, low-cost processes for soft materials, while the engagement member is produced separately with the required strength properties. This segmentation maintains production efficiency through standardized manufacturing processes while achieving the necessary bearing performance for heavy door leaves.
4Ease of operation
If the engagement member uses internal and external threads, then the torsion is smooth without interference, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member incorporates threaded features (internal and external threads) that change the geometric parameters of the component. These threads enable smooth rotational movement and torsional operation without interference, allowing the elastic element to rotate freely. While threading adds some manufacturing complexity, it is a standard feature that can be incorporated into the engagement member production process.
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 enhances the bearing performance and strength of the spring hinge against high-pressure torsional movements, extending its operational life and maintaining stable torsion without deformation or damage.
Implementation Method 1
uses an elastic element such as a spring or elastic piece to generate a torsional force
Implementation Method 2
the engagement member, typically made of stiffer materials like heat-treated steel, supports the elastic element to withstand high torsional forces without deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A spring hinge base structure is provided, including: a body, having a first tube and a first plate portion; locking units each having a cover and an engagement member, each engagement member being engaged within the cover, two of the locking units being connected to opposite ends of the first tube; an elastic element, engaged with the two locking units; a second plate portion; and a shaft, disposed through the respective cover and respective engagement member, wherein the second plate portion is integral and rotatably movable together with one of the locking units by a bump component and abutted between the second plate portion and one of the locking unit.