Horizontally Adjustable Hinge With Captured Screw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable hinges for doors are complex and difficult to install, requiring multiple parts for adjustment and being time-consuming to manipulate.
Innovation Solution
A horizontally adjustable hinge design where the adjustment screw is captured in one leaf, featuring an extrusion profile with openings to receive the screw head, allowing rotation while captured, and access from the top for tool access, with a stabilizing raised portion and oblong securing openings for clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional adjustable hinges use multiple parts for adjustment (such as separate screw bodies and fixing screws), then the adjustment function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment screw and fixing screw into a single integrated adjustment mechanism. The adjustment screw is captured within a recess in one of the hinge leaves, eliminating the need for separate screw bodies and fixing screws. This merging of components directly reduces device complexity while maintaining the adjustment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single adjustment screw serves multiple functions: it acts as both the adjustment mechanism and the fixing element. The screw head engages with the recess to provide both adjustment capability and structural fixation, making the component universal and eliminating the need for separate specialized parts.
2Ease of operation
If traditional adjustable hinges use multiple parts for adjustment, then the adjustment function is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the adjustment and fixing functions into a single screw mechanism, the installation process requires fewer steps. The integrated design allows installers to complete adjustment and fixation operations more quickly without needing to handle and secure multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment screw is pre-positioned within the recess during manufacturing, so that during installation, the screw is already in its final location. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment and securing operations during installation.
3Reliability
If the adjustment screw head width is made larger than shank width for capture, then the screw is securely captured, but the access opening requirements become more restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The capturing member has different dimensional characteristics at different locations: the opening width is designed to accommodate the screw head while maintaining secure capture. The local geometry of the capturing member provides both reliable capture and adequate tool access by optimizing the opening dimensions relative to the screw head size.
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontally adjustable hinge (10) includes a frame leaf (11) and a door leaf (14). A capturing member (16) receives the head (19a) of an adjustment screw (19). An adjusting hole (14e) allows access for a tool to rotate the adjustment screw (19), and thereby horizontally adjust the hinge (10).