Adjustable Hinge Eccentric Cam Multi-Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning doors or windows in frames requires precise alignment along multiple axes, making the installation labor-intensive and skilled, often requiring material modification or shim placement, which is inefficient and challenging with existing hinge technologies.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hinge mechanism featuring eccentric cams and slots allows independent adjustment along two axes, with cams applying forces to move a floating plate relative to a fixing plate, and a third axis adjustment via a T-slot mechanism, providing precise alignment and reducing backlash through guide surfaces and resilient biasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional hinges are used for mounting doors or windows, then the hinge structure is simple, but the alignment precision and adjustment capability are insufficient, requiring labor-intensive installation and material modification
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates adjustable components including a floating plate that can move relative to the fixing plate, and an eccentric cam mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the hinge position along multiple axes. This transforms a static hinge into a dynamically adjustable one, enabling precise alignment without complex installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is divided into separate functional components: a fixing plate attached to the frame, a floating plate attached to the door/window, and an eccentric cam mechanism connecting them. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve precise alignment while maintaining overall structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to improve alignment, then the adjustment capability increases, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric cam mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adjustment along the first axis through rotation, enables adjustment along the second axis through its eccentric geometry, and works with the T-slot to provide third-axis adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each axis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanisms for multiple axes into a single integrated eccentric cam structure. The cam's rotation and positioning simultaneously control the floating plate's position along different axes, merging what would traditionally require separate mechanisms into one compact component
3Manufacturing precision
If material modification or shim placement is used for alignment, then the alignment can be achieved, but the installation becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge's floating plate and eccentric cam mechanism are designed to be self-adjusting during installation. The installer simply needs to rotate the cam and move the floating plate to the desired position, and the mechanism automatically maintains the alignment without requiring additional shimming or material removal
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge components are pre-designed with adjustment capabilities built-in, allowing alignment to be achieved through simple mechanical adjustment rather than requiring post-installation modifications like shimming or material removal. The T-slot and cam mechanism are prepared in advance to facilitate quick positioning
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 simple, accurate, and labor-efficient alignment of doors or windows in frames by allowing independent adjustment along multiple axes, reducing the need for material modification and shim placement, and ensuring secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
Said first and/or second eccentric cam can be resiliently biased into the second position
Implementation Method 2
The first eccentric cam is thereby maintained in contact with the sides of the first slot so as to reduce backlash in the first adjustment means
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention presents an adjustable hinge (6) for mounting an openable member to a frame. The hinge (6) comprises a fixed plate (8), an adjustable plate (14), and a pivot member (12) pivotally connecting the fixed plate (8) and the adjustable plate (10). The adjustable plate (10) comprises a fixing plate (14) for fixed attachment to one of the openable member and the frame and a floating plate (16) movable relative to the fixing plate (14) in a first axis and in a second axis and configured for pivotal connection to the fixed plate (8). The floating plate (16) has a first (30) therein. A first adjustment means comprising a first eccentric cam (34) rotatable in the first slot (30) adjusts the position of the floating plate (16) in a first axis, and a second adjustment means (36) adjusts the position of the floating plate (16) in a second axis.