Compliant Hinge Concept

This design exploits some of the key capabilities of additive manufacturing processes to create an innovative product line. The hinge is a one-piece construction, requiring no additional fastenings, and enabling a tuneable "soft close" feel. The geometry can be optimised to various specific applications, with no retooling costs. Though the design is intended for a homogenous thermoplastic construction - by altering the thickness of the material to influence stiffness - there is the option of specifying a flexible material for the compliant elements (white), whilst a rigid thermoplastic material could be specified for the scored element (black), to enable higher load-bearing products. The "gripper" geometry is designed for vertical applications (doors) by utilising the weight of the door to provide sufficient retention through friction. Optionally, the slotted "gripper" fixing geometry could be changed for different applications, such as a printed tenon design, or a compliant dovetail design, dependent upon different applications.