Spring Loaded Fabric Hinge for Foldable Game Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable game assemblies with foldable game boards often require cumbersome mechanisms to maintain an open configuration for play, such as elastic bands or rigid arms, which can be inconvenient and prone to accidental closure.
Innovation Solution
A game assembly utilizing a spring-loaded flexible hinge with a woven nylon fabric strap and extension spring to securely maintain two base portions in an open configuration, allowing for easy transition between open and closed states without gaps, and optionally incorporating wheels and storage trays for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic bands or rigid arms are used to maintain open configuration, then the game board can be kept open for play, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and prone to accidental closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the hinge system by using a spring-loaded mechanism with adjustable tension. The spring constant and pre-load can be modified to provide reliable holding force while simplifying the overall structure. This allows the hinge to maintain the open configuration reliably without requiring complex elastic bands or rigid arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded hinge automatically maintains the open configuration through its inherent elastic recovery force. The mechanism is self-regulating, requiring no additional components or complex adjustments. When the game board is opened, the spring automatically engages to hold it in place, and when closed, it naturally returns to its resting state, eliminating the need for cumbersome external maintaining mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If foldable game board is used for portability, then storage and transport are improved, but the transition between open and closed states becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic hinge system that adapts its mechanical properties based on the state of the game board. The spring-loaded mechanism provides smooth, controlled motion during transition, automatically adjusting the holding force as the board moves between open and closed positions. This dynamic behavior makes the transition convenient and intuitive, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded hinge creates a natural periodic motion pattern during the transition from open to closed state. The elastic force provides a smooth, rhythmic movement that guides the user through the folding action, making the operation intuitive and easy to perform repeatedly without strain or difficulty.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional hinges are used with no gaps between halves, then structural integrity is improved, but the mechanism becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible, thin spring-loaded hinge structure that provides sufficient structural integrity to maintain the game board halves in a stable open position. The spring material and its geometric design provide the necessary rigidity in the open state while remaining thin and simple in construction. This flexible hinge eliminates the need for bulky rigid connectors or complex multi-component mechanisms.
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
Enables quick and convenient securing of the game board to an open configuration for play, preventing accidental closure and providing a stable, gap-free playing surface while allowing for easy transport and storage, with optional features like rolling wheels and slidable storage trays.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded flexible hinge which includes a fabric strap and an extension spring secured to opposite ends of the fabric strap
Implementation Method 2
The two halves are biased towards their closed position by an elastic band
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A game assembly for housing a foldable game board which is quickly and conveniently secured to an open configuration for game play through the use of a spring loaded flexible hinge. The game assembly includes a first base portion, a second base portion capable of cooperating with the first base portion between an open and a closed configuration, and at least one hinge assembly mounted at a first end to the first base portion and at a second end to the second base portion. The hinge assembly includes a flexible strap and biasing element capable of tensioning the flexible strap to maintain the first and second base portions with respect to each other in an open configuration.