subject: What Are Tube And Pipe Hinges, And How Are They Used? [print this page] Unlike standard flat, 90 or 180 degree hinges, tube and pipe hinges must work three dimensionally. Not only must these types of hinges connect round, circular pipe ends rather than flat surfaces, but they often must provide hinge movement in unique and precise directions. Joining and hinging two pipes together provide precise, controlled movement poses a significant design challenge for hinge manufacturers. As technology has evolved and new methods of manufacturing have been discovered, new applications for tube hinges have required innovative hinge designs.
Over the years, hinge manufacturers and inventors have found ways to solve new equipment challenges by designing new hinge styles. The following three hinge styles are the most common types of tube hinges.
Pipe Gate Hinges
Pipe gate hinges are, in some ways, the same as standard flat hinges. They serve the same purpose as door hinges, allowing gates fabricated from metal or PVC pipes to swing open and closed. These types of hinges are shaped like a U, with a smaller circle connected to the bottom of the U shape and a bar which closes the top of the U. The bar may be removed in order to place the hinge on the pipe which will remain stationary; the bar can then be replaced and tightened around the pipe with a nut. A hole is drilled into the gate door horizontally, and an L shaped thread is fitted through the hole. The short end of the L fits down into the gate hinges smaller circle, joining the gate post and the gate door together, and allowing the door to swing back and forth. Gate hinges may also be designed to affix pipe gates to flat posts.
Universal Joints
Also known as "U" joints, universal joints are a specialized type of hinge which connects two pipes together in order to transmit rotary - or circular - motion. This unique hinge design features two U shaped brackets with adjoining turning pins running across the top of the U. The pins meet, making an "X", although in most designs, the pins meeting is reinforced with a thick, solid metal disc. This "coupling" type of hinge allows rigid rods to bend in any direction.
Universal joints are most known for their automotive application; they are key components in most automobiles drive shafts. U joints are, however, used in a wide range of industrial applications, wherever the transmission of rotary torque is required.
Rotary Locking Hinges
Also known as adjustable locking hinges, rotary hinges are a type of specialty hinge ideal for creating precise unidirectional hinging between two pipes. Unlike universal joints, rotary pipe hinges are centrally connected with a round locking device. The locking device allows one pipe to move incrementally as wide as 220 degrees, then lock into place at any desired angle.
Rotary locking hinges do not have a single most common application; rather, they provide a flexible design for a wide range of specialty medical, aerospace and tooling equipment applications.
