Torque Hinge Clutch Mechanism for Easy Manual Door Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque hinges require significant force to open or close a door manually when the electric motor fails, as they rely on frictional force for connection, making manual operation impractical.
Innovation Solution
A torque hinge design featuring coil springs with hook portions on an outer ring, supported by a cylindrical member and controlled by a rotatable control member with hook grooves, allowing for integral or relative rotation based on operational states, enabling easy switching between friction-dependent and friction-independent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the torque hinge uses a connection member with frictional force to connect the inner ring and outer ring, then the door can be held at any tilt angle, but manual opening/closing becomes extremely difficult when the electric motor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection state between the inner ring and outer ring changeable. The control member allows the system to switch between two states: (1) a locked state where the connection member maintains frictional force to hold the door at any tilt angle, and (2) an unlocked state where the connection member is disengaged, allowing free relative rotation for easy manual operation. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between reliable position retention and ease of manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the frictional force parameter between the inner ring and outer ring. When the control member is in the locked position, the frictional force is high to maintain door position. When the control member shifts to the unlocked position, the frictional force drops to near zero, enabling effortless manual opening/closing. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the torque hinge maintains constant frictional connection between inner ring and outer ring, then rotation control is precise, but the door cannot rotate freely under external forces like wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the frictional connection to transition between static (locked) and dynamic (unlocked) states. In the locked state, the connection member provides precise rotation control through friction. In the unlocked state, the connection member disengages, allowing the door to rotate freely under external forces without flapping, as the clutch mechanism absorbs the force through relative rotation between the inner and outer rings.
3Device complexity
If the torque hinge uses a simple friction-based connection, then the structure is simple, but manual operation requires excessive force against the frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a control member as a mediator between the inner ring and outer ring. This control member engages or disengages the connection member, thereby controlling the frictional force transmission. When disengaged, the intermediary (control member) allows the inner ring and outer ring to rotate independently, eliminating the need for users to overcome frictional resistance during manual operation, while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 effortless manual operation of doors by allowing the torque hinge to switch between states where the door can be opened or closed with minimal force, either relying on or independent of the frictional force, thus preventing door flapping under external forces.
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
AI summary
A torque hinge is such that a driven-side member can be rotated with respect to a driving-side member with a sufficiently small force even if inner and outer rings are connected by a frictional force applied by a connection member. Coil springs each having a pair of hook portions are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring, which is supported by a cylindrical support member. Further, a control member for controlling the coil springs is in series in the axial direction on the support member, and the control member allows rotation about a common rotation axis of the inner and outer rings with respect to the support member. The support member and the control member are provided with hook grooves into which the hook portions of the coil springs are respectively fitted. The coil springs retain or liberate the outer ring by a required operation.