Wearable Hinge Structure Using a Deformable Core and Elastic Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable items face issues with wear and tear, robustness, rusting, and complexity due to small form factor hinges, which lead to a short operating life and high customization and repair costs, while also being wasteful in manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A wearable item design featuring an elongate member with an inner core surrounded by an outer layer that experiences elastic deformation below a first elastic limit and permanent deformation above it, allowing for adjustable and repairable functionality without moving components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hinges with moving components, pins, and screws are used in wearable items, then relative movement between parts is enabled, but wear and tear due to friction occurs, leading to short operating life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all moving components, pins, and screws from the hinge system. Instead, it uses a continuous flexible member that integrates the hinge function into a single non-moving structure, eliminating friction and wear between separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple hinge components into a single continuous flexible member that provides the necessary movement through its inherent flexibility rather than through moving joints between separate parts
2Volume of moving object
If small form factor hinges are used in wearable items, then the compact size requirement is met, but the components are prone to rusting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates small metal hinge components that are susceptible to rusting by replacing them with a continuous flexible member made from rust-resistant materials such as flexible metal or polymer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite or alternative materials for the continuous flexible member that provide both the necessary flexibility and resistance to rusting, replacing traditional metal hinge components
3Ease of operation
If conventional hinges with multiple components are used, then relative movement is achieved, but the complexity in production, use, and repair increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate hinge components into a single continuous flexible member, reducing the overall component count and simplifying the structure while maintaining the necessary movement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous flexible member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the hinge movement, acts as a structural connector, and eliminates the need for separate fastening components, thereby reducing complexity
4Productivity
If conventional wearable items are manufactured using traditional techniques, then production is achieved, but material waste is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hinge function into the continuous flexible member itself, eliminating the need for separate hinge components and reducing material usage and manufacturing waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters and structural design to create a continuous flexible member that can be manufactured more efficiently with less waste, potentially using forming or bending processes rather than assembling multiple cut and fitted components
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 solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and long-lasting wearable item that can be easily adapted for different users and repaired, reducing material waste and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one outer layer is elastic when strained by application of a stress below a first elastic limit
Implementation Method 2
the at least one outer layer experiences a permanent deformation when strained by application of a stress above the first elastic limit
Implementation Method 3
the inner core is elastic when strained by application of a stress below a second elastic limit
Implementation Method 4
the inner core experiences a permanent deformation when strained by application of a stress above the second elastic limit
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a wearable item. The wearable item includes at least one elongate member for supporting at least one attachable element. The elongate member is fabricated from an inner core that is surrounded by at least one outer layer. The at least one outer layer is elastic when strained by application of stress below a first elastic limit. The inner core is elastic when strained by application of stress below a second elastic limit or permanently deformed when strained by application of stress above the second elastic limit.