Translating Hinge With Spring-Loaded Rotation And Vertical Translation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional translating hinges face issues such as limited perpendicular translation, bulkiness, complex mechanisms, difficulty in spring loading, and achieving tight tolerances, which restrict their application and precision in systems requiring precise alignment and rotation.
Innovation Solution
A translating hinge design incorporating a translation element with a shaft and a spring or external force provider, allowing true vertical translation and rotation, with precise alignment capabilities through tightly toleranced parts and a counter-bored threaded hole for the shoulder screw, enabling self-support during rotation and access in tightly packed structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If four bar linkages are used to provide translating hinge, then translation motion is achieved, but the hinge becomes bulky and has many moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into separate functional elements: a translation element with a slot that provides translational guidance, and a rotating assembly with a pin that enables rotation. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, reducing the overall complexity compared to a four-bar linkage system where multiple components work together to achieve both motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation capability is extracted as a separate slot feature in the translation element, while the rotation capability is provided by the rotating assembly with its pin. By taking out the translation function as a distinct geometric feature rather than requiring a complex linkage mechanism, the design achieves translation without needing multiple interconnected moving parts.
2Ease of operation
If slotted hinge assemblies are used to provide translating hinge, then translation motion is achieved, but rotation can occur before translation is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the translation element has a specific geometric configuration with defined entry and exit regions. The pin in the rotating assembly interacts with this slot geometry to ensure that translation occurs first as the pin enters and traverses the slot, and rotation occurs only after the pin reaches the appropriate position. This local geometric design ensures the correct sequence of motions without requiring additional control mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If slots are provided by interpolating outer profile with end mill, then manufacturing is simplified, but tight tolerances greater than +/â0.002 in. cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The slot geometry is designed with asymmetric features including a counter-bored threaded hole and specific profile characteristics that are not symmetric about the slot centerline. This asymmetric design allows the slot to be manufactured using standard end mill interpolation while incorporating specific geometric features (like the counter-bored hole for the shoulder screw) that provide the necessary alignment and tolerance control without requiring the entire slot to be machined to ultra-tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
A shoulder screw with a counter-bored threaded hole serves as an intermediary element that interfaces with the slot. The counter-bored hole provides a precise reference feature for mounting the shoulder screw, which in turn provides alignment and positioning functions. This intermediary feature allows the slot itself to be manufactured with less stringent tolerances while still achieving the overall tight tolerance requirements through the combination of the slot geometry and the precision-mounted shoulder screw.
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 design provides a high-precision, self-supporting hinge with true translational and rotational capabilities, facilitating access and maintenance in complex systems like radar systems, while maintaining precise alignment and preventing accidental contact, and is scalable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the spring is provided as a coil spring and the shaft in the translation element is provided as a screw
Implementation Method 2
the force (stiffness)/compression characteristics of the spring are selected such that the force provided from the spring exceeds the weight of the object the hinge is supporting when the hinge is in the translated position
Implementation Method 3
the shaft in the translation element is provided as a screw
Implementation Method 4
the translating hinge and objects may be arranged such that the force to move the object may be provided by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A translating hinge includes a translation element which provides translational movement between two objects coupled by the translating hinge and a rotating assembly coupled to the translation element.