Adjustable Hinge Damper with Movable Contact Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping devices for hinges lack a mechanism to adjust damping functionality, only offering an ON or OFF state, failing to provide customizable damping actions.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design incorporating a damper with an adjusting member having multiple contact portions and engaging parts, allowing the piston rod to be pressed against different contact surfaces for varying damping effects, enabling multiple damping actions based on the adjusting member's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a damping device with only ON/OFF states is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different damping needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting member is designed to be movable relative to the retainer, allowing the damping device to transition from a static ON/OFF state to a dynamic adjustable state. The user can move the adjusting member to different positions along the channel to change the contact point with the piston rod, thereby adjusting the damping force according to different operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of damping force by varying the contact position between the adjusting member and piston rod. By providing multiple contact portions at different positions on the adjusting member, each contact position corresponds to a different damping force level, allowing parameter adjustment without changing the basic device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact portions are added to the adjusting member, then the damping action adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting member is segmented into multiple contact portions (first contact portion, second contact portion, third contact portion) at different positions along its length. Each contact portion can independently contact the piston rod to provide different damping levels. This segmentation allows the single adjusting member to provide multiple discrete damping options without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting member serves multiple functions: it acts as a stop for the piston rod, provides multiple damping level selections through different contact portions, and can be positioned at different locations along the channel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components to achieve damping adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the adjusting member is made movable to allow position changes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of damping function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting member is pre-positioned at specific locations along the channel corresponding to different damping levels. The user can selectively move the adjusting member to the desired position before operation, and once positioned, the adjusting member remains fixed during the damping operation to ensure consistent and reliable damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting member is designed to be self-retaining at different positions along the channel, allowing the user to easily move it to the desired location without requiring additional locking mechanisms or tools. The geometry of the adjusting member and channel works together to maintain the selected position during operation.
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
Enables customizable damping actions to suit operational needs, such as quieting door closure, by allowing the user to select the desired damping effect through adjustments of the adjusting member, enhancing functionality and user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one spring is mounted in the room of the hinge cup and serves to provide a resilient closing force when the hinge cup is pivoted with respect to the hinge arm
Implementation Method 2
the piston rod of the damper is pressed against the first contact portion of the adjusting member and thereby produces a damping effect
Data Source
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AI summary
A hinge (10) includes a hinge arm (22), a hinge cup (20), a spring (24), a retainer (64), a damper (66), and an adjusting member (68). When the hinge cup (20), which is pivotally connected to the hinge arm (22), is being closed relative thereto, the spring (24) provides a resilient closing force to complete the closing action. The retainer (64) is mounted in the hinge cup (20) and has a channel (84). The damper (66) is mounted in the channel (84) and corresponds to the hinge arm (22) to provide a damping force adjustable via the adjusting member (68), which is movably mounted to the retainer (64), includes a surface (94) and at least two contact portions (102, 104) differently spaced from the surface (94), and can be adjusted relative to the retainer (64) so that one of the contact portions (102, 104) corresponds to the damper (66).