Single part hinge, and related methods and uses
AssigneeOcado Innovation Limited
InventorsAlexandros Matsagkos, Jesus Espinosa, Arvid Hallje
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A single part hinge, method of manufacturing and load handling device are provided. The single part hinge can include a first portion and a second portion; a flexural arrangement, connecting a first end of the first portion to a first end of the second portion; wherein the single part hinge is rotationally movable about a pivot point at the first end of the first portion, and moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, rotation is limited by a first support region and in the second position, rotation is limited by a second support region.
Claims12
A single part hinge for a load handling device comprising:
- a first portion and a second portion;
- and
- a flexural arrangement including two or more strips of material extending between the first portion and the second portion, wherein at least one of the strips extends in a first direction and at least one of the strips extends in a second direction different to the first direction, wherein the at least one strip extending in the first direction is opposed to the at least one strip extending in the second direction, and wherein the two or more strips connect a first end of the first portion to a first end of the second portion;
- wherein the single part hinge is configured to be rotationally movable about a pivot point at the first end of the first portion, and to be moveable between a first position and a second position,
- wherein in the first position, rotation is limited by a first support region, the first support region of the second portion being a shark-tooth shaped protrusion, the first support region of the first portion being a complementary shaped recess for guiding the first portion to the first position,
- wherein in the second position, rotation is limited by a second support region, and
- wherein the flexural arrangement is at least partially nested within the first end of the first portion or within the first end of the second portion.
A method of manufacturing a single part hinge for a load handling device including a first portion and a second portion;
- and a flexural arrangement including two or more strips of material extending between the first portion and the second portion, wherein at least one of the strips extends in a first direction and at least one of the strips extends in a second direction different to the first direction, wherein the at least one strip extending in the first direction is opposed to the at least one strip extending in the second direction, and wherein the two or more strips connect a first end of the first portion to a first end of the second portion;
- wherein the single part hinge is configured to be rotationally movable about a pivot point at the first end of the first portion, and to be moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, rotation is limited by a first support region, the first support region of the second portion being a shark-tooth shaped protrusion, the first support region of the first portion being a complementary shaped recess for guiding the first portion to the first position, wherein in the second position, rotation is limited by a second support region, and wherein the flexural arrangement is at least partially nested within the first end of the first portion or within the first end of the second portion, the method comprising:
- printing the single part hinge from a digital model of the single part hinge using additive manufacturing apparatus;
- and
- removing the printed single part hinge from the additive manufacturing apparatus;
- and
- removing excess material from the single part hinge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.