Adjustable Hinge with Axial Bearing for Heavy Door Height Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Three-part hinges for heavy doors face complexity in mutual adjustment and positioning due to direct support of the middle hinge part on the lower hinge part, making assembly and adjustment cumbersome and limited in load capacity.

Innovation Solution

A hinge design where the middle hinge part rests on a lower connecting shaft via an axial bearing, allowing height adjustment without disassembly, using a ball bearing and threaded components for precise positioning, ensuring the middle hinge part does not directly contact the frame-fixed hinge parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the middle hinge part rests directly on the lower hinge part, then the structure is simpler, but the adjustment becomes complicated and cumbersome requiring repeated door dismantling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge structureVSAvoidadjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a connecting shaft as an intermediary element between the lower hinge part and the middle hinge part. The connecting shaft protrudes from the lower hinge part and receives the middle hinge part on its upper end face, enabling independent adjustment of the middle hinge part without affecting the lower hinge part's position on the door frame. This mediator allows the middle hinge part to be adjusted axially while maintaining the structural simplicity of the overall hinge assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the middle hinge part rests directly on the lower hinge part, then the assembly is more compact, but the load capacity is limited and pivoting is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge assemblyVSAvoidload capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the hinge assembly into distinct functional components: the lower hinge part fixed to the door frame, the connecting shaft with axial adjustment capability, and the middle hinge part with the door. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the connecting shaft handles the axial adjustment and load transmission, while the middle hinge part focuses on pivoting the door. The radial slide bearing between the middle hinge part and connecting shaft ensures proper pivoting motion while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the middle hinge part is fixed in position, then the assembly is more stable, but the height adjustment capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge assembly stabilityVSAvoidheight adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability through the connecting shaft, which can be axially adjusted within the threaded bore of the lower hinge part. This allows the middle hinge part to be positioned at different heights relative to the lower hinge part while maintaining stable pivoting. The radial slide bearing ensures that once positioned, the middle hinge part remains stable during operation, combining dynamic adjustment capability with operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates easy assembly and secure pivoting of heavy doors by allowing height adjustment of the middle hinge part without disassembly, enhancing load capacity and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

The axial bearing 7 comprises, for example, a ball bearing 8 which is axially supported on an inner shoulder surface 9 of the middle hinge part 3 or its opening 4 on the one hand and a bearing part 10 on the other hand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

The lower connecting shaft 5 is provided with a threaded part 5c and can be axially adjusted with this in a threaded bore 1c of the lower hinge part 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded connection: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP1881142B1Hinge
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 SITTER HARALD
  • EP1881142B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The hinge has a connecting shaft (5, 6) arranged in the upper and lower hinge parts (1, 2) and protruding in an opening (4) of a middle hinge part (3), which lies on the connecting shaft by the axial bearing. The hinge part (3) is found in a distance outside the hinge part (1) and lies in a distance below the hinge part (2). Distance of the hinge part (3) from the hinge parts (1, 2) are changeable by axial displacement of the shaft into the hinge part (1), where height of a door connected with the hinge part (3) is adjustable in the mounted condition of the hinge in a certain area.