Q.   What makes the Flatzen Hinge unique?

There are more than several elements that make the Flatzen Hinge unique. One of the most obvious is that the mechanics of the hinge are entirely contained within its cylinder allowing for a multitude of variations without any exterior components, such as struts, in order to function. The answers to the questions below show many unique qualities and attributes.

Q.   How many flats/sections can be connected to the hinge?

In theory, there is no limit. How many flats depend on the specific needs and requirements of the end-user. For example, a folding chair may have two, three or four flats connected to the hinge depending on your design. But with other applications, more than four flats are certainly possible. It all depends on the requirements of your end-user, your design and the materials used.

Q.   In what ways is the Flatzen Hinge able to be customized?

In many ways, including the number of flats, the angle of opening and closing of each flat, and, of course, the dimension and size. The Flatzen Hinge can, for example, be large enough to control multiple moveable room dividers from floor to ceiling or allow chairs and tables to be embedded into the walls and/or floors of a building. It can be engineered to handle different loads and the materials can be metal, plastic or composites. In fact, the Flatzen Hinge allows you to create, design and manufacture to your own specifications, not ours.

Q. Can I design how the Flatzen Hinge connects to the flats and also the shape of the connectors?

Yes you can. Because our technology is contained within the cylinder of the hinge you can make the external connectors sleek and unobrusive or hide them completely by embedding the blade of the connector within the flat it’s connecting with. You can also join or fabricate the connector as one piece with the flat (ie seat or table top).

Q.   What materials can be used to make the Flatzen Hinge?

The hinge can be made of materials depending on your use and your engineering designs for strength. For our own proof of concept prototype, the cylinder was made from laser-cut Chrome-Moly tubing and the connectors were made from additive-printed Kevlar reinforced nylon.

Q.   What materials can be used to connect the flats and connectors to the Flatzen Hinge?

Again, the material is up to you depending on your design and application. The flats and connectors can be manufactured using a variety and combination of materials including wood, metal, plastics, laminates, composites and other materials.

Q.   What does it mean that the Flatzen Hinge locks?

The built-in locking mechanism resides inside the cylinder and allows the user to open and close the flats at pre-set angles engineered into the design. The Flatzen Hinge is locked in either the open or closed positions with the push of a button. Other options include an electrically activated button or a gravity lock.

Q.   Is it strong enough for use in a chair?

Yes, because you engineer in whatever strength and weight-bearing specifications you need depending on your design and the requirements of your end-user.

Q.   Does the Flatzen Hinge have applications apart from furniture?

Most certainly. The Flatzen Hinge has the potential for many applications beyond our imagination but not those of the innovators in many fields and industries: transport, aerospace, housing, and research, to name a few.

Q.   How much does it cost manufacture?

The cost depends on your application, specifications, materials and quantity.

Q.   Is it possible to get a Flatzen Hinge prototype?

If you are not convinced that the Flatzen Hinge will work for your design(s), we have available a special Prototyping Package which will allow you to create your own prototype using your own engineering and design.

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