Truss Hinge with Pin-Hole Angular Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stage truss systems lack the ability to easily change configurations and maintain multiple angular positions, limiting flexibility in setup and transportation.

Innovation Solution

A hinged truss assembly with specialized connection parts that allow trusses to be held at various angles, using pins and holes to constrain movement to specific angles, enabling multiple configurations and easy adjustment between 0° and 45°.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rigid truss connections are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility in angular positioning and reconfiguration is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular positioning flexibilityVSAvoidtruss connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static rigid joint to a dynamic adjustable mechanism. The hinge assembly with pin and hole features enables the truss to dynamically change its angular configuration between different positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) while maintaining structural integrity at each selected position through positive locking engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a hinge assembly with rotational capability, multiple pin positions, and corresponding hole features. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the hinge provides rotational freedom while the pin-hole features provide discrete angular locking, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple angular positions are enabled through complex mechanisms, then positioning flexibility is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple angular configurationsVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple angular positioning functions are merged into a single integrated hinge assembly. Instead of using separate adjustment mechanisms for each angular position, the design combines rotational hinge movement with multiple pre-positioned pin and hole features, allowing all angular adjustments to be accomplished through one unified component rather than multiple independent mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pin and hole features are pre-positioned at specific angular intervals during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations or adjustments. The user simply selects the desired angular position by engaging the pin with the corresponding pre-marked hole feature, significantly simplifying the setup process compared to mechanisms requiring manual measurement and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable hinge mechanisms are added to enable multiple angles, then configuration flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational movement, defines angular positions through pre-marked features, and creates structural joints. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying both the manufacturing process and the final assembly compared to systems that require multiple specialized parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9957709B2Truss hinge with variations in angular settings

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 PRODN RESOURCE GROUP L L C

AI summary

A truss hinge that includes a number of different labeled parts, where connections between the two different parts can constrain the truss to different angles.