Variable Torque Hinge With Recessed Shaft And Grooved Sleeve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hinges with variable torque suffer from non-smooth rotation and rapid wear of protruding blocks due to frequent changes in friction pressure, leading to reduced functionality over time.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a shaft with recessed portions and a sleeve with grooves, where the contact area between the two parts changes with the turning angle, providing variable torque without excessive wear, as the recessed portions and grooves are not part of the friction surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If protruding blocks are used to provide variable torque by changing friction pressure, then torque variability is improved, but wear resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the contact surface by providing recessed portions on the shaft and grooves on the sleeve. This modifies the contact area parameter dynamically - when recessed portions align with grooves, contact area decreases and torque decreases; when they don't align, contact area increases and torque increases. This achieves variable torque without relying on friction pressure changes that cause wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If friction pressure is frequently changed to provide variable torque, then torque adaptability is improved, but durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic geometric configuration changes through the interaction of recessed portions and grooves. The contact area between shaft and sleeve dynamically changes based on their relative rotational position, providing adaptable torque characteristics. This geometric dynamic approach avoids frequent friction pressure changes, thereby improving durability while maintaining torque adaptability.
3Force
If contact area is increased to provide higher torque, then torque output is improved, but wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform contact distribution through recessed portions and grooves. Different regions of the shaft and sleeve have different contact characteristics - some regions provide high contact area for torque when needed, while other regions (the recessed portions and grooves) serve as wear-minimizing features. This allows high torque output in certain positions without uniform wear across the entire contact surface.
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
This design enables smooth rotation and increased durability by maintaining a higher torque output while minimizing wear on the recessed portions and grooves, outperforming traditional hinges in both torque provision and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the friction between the contact surfaces of the shaft and the sleeve changes subject to a relative rotation angle between the shaft and the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge with variable torque is disclosed to include a first part, which has a shaft at one side thereof and recessed portions on the peripheral wall of the shaft, and a second part, which has a sleeve disposed at one side thereof and grooves on the inside wall of the sleeve. The sleeve is pivotally coupled to the shaft of the first part. A first contact area and a first friction force are produced between the peripheral wall of the shaft and the inside wall of the sleeve when the first part is turned to a first angle relative to the second part, and a second contact area and a second friction force are produced between thereinbetween when the first part is turned to a second angle relative to the second part.