Adjustable Hinge With Deformable Section For Overlay And Vertical Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable hinges for cabinet doors face challenges such as complex installation, instability of adjustments, high manufacturing costs, and require multiple intricate components and assembly steps, making them difficult to manufacture and install efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A simply designed adjustable hinge with a hinge cup, a hinge arm biased by a spring, a pair of connected plates for two-dimensional adjustment, and a single screw for overlay adjustment, along with a second screw set for vertical adjustment, utilizing a semi-cylindrical deformable hinge section for secure attachment to the cabinet frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple intricate components and assembly steps are used to achieve adjustment capability, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (vertical adjustment and overlay adjustment) into a single hinge assembly with integrated components. The hinge cup, hinge arm, and adjustment plates work together as a unified system, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both vertical adjustment and overlay adjustment capabilities within a single device. The connected plates and adjustment screws enable the hinge to accommodate adjustments in different dimensions without requiring separate specialized components for each function.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple intricate components and assembly steps are used to achieve adjustment capability, then adjustment precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple adjustment functions into a single hinge assembly with standardized components, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. The connected plates and adjustment screws can be produced using standard manufacturing techniques, and the integrated design reduces the number of assembly steps required compared to using multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If repeated adjustment of mounting screws is performed, then overlay adjustment is achieved, but mounting stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the adjustment function from the mounting function by using distinct components: adjustment screws for overlay adjustment and mounting screws for securing the hinge. This segmentation allows the mounting screws to remain undisturbed during adjustment operations, maintaining mounting stability while still enabling easy overlay adjustment through the dedicated adjustment screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge arm acts as an intermediary element between the mounting screws and the door. It provides the adjustment capability through its connection to the cabinet frame via the connected plates, while the mounting screws securely attach the hinge cup to the door without needing to be repeatedly adjusted. This intermediary structure protects the mounting stability while enabling adjustability.
4Ease of operation
If larger wood screws are used for dual functionality, then overlay adjustment is enabled, but adaptability to different cabinet dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the screw functions into separate components: small mounting screws for securing the hinge cup to the door and larger adjustment screws for overlay adjustment. This segmentation allows the mounting screws to remain small and adaptable to various cabinet dimensions, while the adjustment screws provide the necessary leverage for adjustment without compromising the hinge's versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed with universal adaptability to different cabinet dimensions through its standardized component interface. The connected plates and adjustment mechanism work together as a universal system that can accommodate various door and frame sizes, eliminating the need for larger screws that would limit adaptability.
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
The solution provides a stable, easily installed, and cost-effective adjustable hinge that minimizes components, allowing for precise adjustments in both vertical and overlay dimensions without the need for complex assembly, ensuring long-term stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge arm biased by a hinge spring in one of an opened or closed positions
Implementation Method 2
The attachment plate includes the adjustment screw that performs an overlay adjustment by biasing the attachment plate with respect to the abutment plate by bending the deformable hinge section
Data Source
AI summary
The invention disclosed provides a hinge capable of a vertical and overlay adjustment, comprised of a recessed hinge cup and a hinge arm connected to an attachment plate and an abutment plate which are further connected by a deformable hinge section. An overlay adjustment is provided by bending the deformable hinge section through use of an overlay adjustment screw fitted between the attachment plate and the abutment plate. The novel hinge provided is also adjustable vertically via an adjustment screw accessed by a portal in the attachment plate. The design is less complicated and therefore is lighter and less expensive than previous overlay adjustable hinges and allows delicate and semi-permanent adjustments to be made by a single installer.