Adjustable Hinge With Dual Threaded Grub Screw for Lateral Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinges for plastic doors and windows face challenges in providing enhanced stability and adjustment features within a reduced space envelope, particularly in limited space constructions where the depth of the retaining piece and the adjustment screw's extension are limited, and lack adequate safety features to prevent unauthorized disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A hinge design featuring dual threaded grub screws with opposite thread directions, a clamping device comprising a clamping bolt and sleeve, and an eccentric mechanism, allowing for lateral adjustment and secure connection between hinge parts, while minimizing the space required and eliminating the need for additional clearance bores in metal reinforcements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single threaded adjustment screw is used, then the hinge can be adjusted laterally, but the adjustment precision and stability are insufficient and more space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidspace envelope
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment screw is segmented into two separate threaded sections with opposite thread directions, allowing independent engagement with two different components (retaining piece and intermediate piece). This segmentation enables doubled adjustment precision per rotation while reducing the overall space envelope by eliminating the need for a single long threaded bore through metal reinforcements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism transitions from a single linear threaded adjustment to a dual-threaded system where the two threads operate in opposite rotational directions. This dimensional change in the threading configuration allows the same rotational input to produce doubled linear adjustment displacement, achieving higher precision without increasing the space envelope proportionally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the hinge assembly is recessed into the door panel or window sash, then the hinge parts are visible only as little as possible, but the depth of the retaining piece is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of hinge partsVSAvoiddepth of retaining piece
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment screw is divided into two threaded sections that engage with two separate components (retaining piece and intermediate piece) at different locations. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to be distributed across available space rather than requiring a single deep recess, enabling the hinge to maintain a low-profile recessed appearance while providing sufficient adjustment travel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism utilizes two different engagement points along the hinge assembly rather than relying on a single deep threaded bore. By distributing the adjustment function across two dimensions (engaging both the retaining piece and intermediate piece), the system achieves the necessary adjustment range without increasing the depth of the retaining piece protrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a standard adjustment screw design is used, then the hinge can be adjusted, but safety features to prevent unauthorized disassembly are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidsafety against unauthorized disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment screw is segmented into two threaded sections with opposite thread directions, where the first thread section engages the retaining piece and the second thread section engages the intermediate piece. This segmentation creates a more secure adjustment mechanism that resists unauthorized disassembly while maintaining ease of operation through the accessible adjustment opening in the plate-shaped portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment screw combines two different thread configurations (opposite thread directions) in a single component, creating a composite fastening system that engages two different parts simultaneously. This composite threading design provides enhanced security against unauthorized disassembly while maintaining the operational simplicity of a single adjustment screw.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 dual threaded grub screw design provides increased adjustment precision and stability, using less space and eliminating the need for clearance bores in metal reinforcements, while ensuring secure assembly and disassembly, enhancing the hinge's safety and functionality in compact installations.

Implementation Method 1

a dual threaded grub screw (30) is provided having a first thread section (30a) screwed into a threaded bore (25) of the retaining piece (24) and a second thread section (30b), having an opposite thread direction than the first thread section (30a), screwed into a threaded opening (33) of an intermediate piece (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The plate-shaped portion (22) and the intermediate piece (32) are displaceable relative to each other by an eccentric (42) on the clamping bolt (38)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4321715B1Adjustable door or window hinge with enhanced lateral adjustment
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 SFS GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP4321715B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4321715B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP4321715B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

A hinge for mounting a door-panel or window sash to a frame. For improved adjustability function and a smaller space envelope, the hinge has a first hinge part for connection to the door or window sash and a second hinge part for connection to the frame. In the first hinge part, a dual threaded grub screw having first and second, oppositely directed thread sections is screwed into a threaded bore of a retaining piece and a threaded opening of an intermediate piece. A clamping device holds a plate-shaped portion provided with the hinge barrel and the intermediate piece together. The intermediate piece and the plate-shaped portion are adjustable relative to each other by an eccentric. The dual threaded grub screw has an engagement portion that is accessible via an adjustment opening in the plate-shaped portion allowing a lateral adjustment of the first hinge part relative to the second hinge part.