Torque Hinge Clutch Mechanism for Easy Manual Door Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque hinges require significant force to manually open or close doors when the electric motor fails, as they rely on frictional force for connection, making manual operation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A torque hinge with a clutch mechanism that includes coil springs mounted on the outer ring, supported by a cylindrical member, and a control member that allows switching between states of integral or relative rotation with and without frictional force through a rotatable support member and control member assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque hinge uses a connection member that connects inner ring and outer ring by frictional force, then the door can be held at any angle and protected from flapping, but manual opening and closing becomes extremely difficult when the electric motor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a clutch mechanism that can dynamically switch between two states: a locked state where the connection member engages to prevent relative rotation (providing holding stability), and an unlocked state where the connection member disengages to allow free relative rotation (enabling easy manual operation). This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the frictional force parameter through the clutch mechanism. When the clutch is engaged, the frictional force is high enough to prevent relative rotation and hold the door at any angle. When the clutch is disengaged, the frictional force is reduced to allow easy manual opening and closing. This parameter change enables the system to transition between stable holding and easy operation states.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connection member maintains constant frictional force to hold the door at any angle, then the door remains stable, but the required force for manual operation becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism introduces dynamic control over the frictional force parameter. In the engaged state, the connection member maintains high frictional force to hold the door position stable. In the disengaged state, the frictional force is reduced to allow manual operation with minimal force. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between stability and operability.
3Device complexity
If the torque hinge uses a simple friction-based connection, then the structure remains simple, but it cannot provide both strong holding force and easy manual release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into two functional components: the connection member that provides frictional engagement and the clutch mechanism that controls the engagement state. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural simplicity while adding the adaptability to switch between locked and unlocked states, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the inner ring and outer ring, controlling whether the connection member transmits frictional force. This intermediary component enables the system to switch between providing strong holding force and allowing easy manual release, adding operational versatility without significantly complicating the overall structure.
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 easy manual operation of doors by allowing relative rotation without frictional force, preventing door flapping under external forces and reducing the required force for opening and closing.
Implementation Method 1
coil springs each having a pair of hook portions are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of an outer ring
Implementation Method 2
a connection member that is disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring so as to disconnectably connect the rings by a required frictional force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided is a novel torque hinge with which a driven-side member can be rotated with respect to a driving-side member with a sufficiently small force by performing a required operation, even if an inner ring 4 and an outer ring 6 are connected by a required frictional force applied by a connection member 8. Coil springs (89) each having a pair of hook portions (92) are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring (6), and the outer ring (6) is supported by a cylindrical support member (43). Further, a control member (72) for controlling the coil springs (89) is assembled in series in the axial direction on the support member (43), and the control member (72) makes it possible to rotate about a common rotation axis (o1) of the inner ring (4) and the outer ring (6) with respect to the support member (43). The support member (43) and the control member (72) are provided with hook grooves (48 and 82) into which the pair of hook portions (92) of the coil springs (89) are respectively fitted. The coil springs (89) retain or liberate the outer ring (6) by a required operation.