Adjustable Hinge Eccentrics for Two-Wing Folding Flap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting devices for two-leaf folding flaps require a handle to be grasped at a certain distance from the lower edge to open, limiting user convenience, and lack adjustability in lateral alignment and distance between the wings.

Innovation Solution

The integration of adjustable hinges with eccentrics and an intermediate plate allows for adjustment in two coordinate directions, enabling the hinge arm to be rotated and displaced relative to the hinge cup, facilitating opening by pulling the lower edge without a handle and allowing for adjustable alignment and spacing between the wings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handle is provided at a certain distance from the lower edge to open the folding flap, then the lifting device can be operated, but user convenience is limited as the handle cannot be grasped at the lower edge itself

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of opening the folding flapVSAvoidneed for additional handle component
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower edge of the lower wing itself serves as the gripping point for opening the folding flap. The lifting device is designed so that the lower edge can be directly pulled to initiate opening, eliminating the need for a separate handle component and making the structure serve its own function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The handle function is extracted from the lifting device structure and integrated into the lower edge of the lower wing itself. By removing the need for a separate handle component, the design simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the opening function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed hinges are used to connect the wings, then the structure is simple, but adjustability in lateral alignment and distance between wings is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of wing alignment and spacingVSAvoidcomplexity of hinge structure with adjustment means
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connection is transformed from a fixed, static joint to a dynamic, adjustable connection. The hinge arm can be positioned at different locations on the wing and laterally aligned in two coordinate directions, allowing the hinge to adapt to different spatial requirements while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it connects the wings, allows for lateral alignment adjustment in two directions, enables distance adjustment between wings, and provides play for smooth operation. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge arm is rigidly fixed to the wing, then the connection is strong, but lateral alignment and distance adjustment between wings cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of hinge positionVSAvoidstrength of hinge connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connection is segmented into multiple components: the hinge cup, the hinge arm, and the connection to the wing. This segmentation allows the hinge arm to be adjustably positioned and laterally aligned relative to the hinge cup while maintaining a strong connection through the lever arms and pivot points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 convenient opening of the folding flap by pulling the lower edge, providing adjustability in wing alignment and spacing, enhancing user experience and adaptability to different furniture configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring element, one end of which is pivotably connected to the body part and the other end is pivotably connected to the shorter lever arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the hinge arm can be adjusted with respect to one of the hinge cups via a first eccentric in one direction and via a second eccentric in another direction perpendicular to the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP1948893B1Lifting device for a two-wing folding flap
Publication Date: 2010.05.05 ARTURO SALICE SPA
  • EP1948893B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1948893B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1948893B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a lifting device for a two-wing folding flap (16), the upper wing (12) of which is articulated on a top wall (22) or intermediate wall of a body about a horizontal, first axis and the lower wing (14) of which is connected to the upper wing in a manner such that it can pivot about a second axis parallel to the first axis, the lifting device comprising at least one two-armed lever (34) which is mounted on a lateral body part in a manner such that it can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis (40) and the longer arm of which is connected in an articulated manner to the lower wing and to at least one hinge arm (31) which connects the wings in an articulated manner and is fastened in each case in hinge cups (28, 29) arranged in the wings, wherein the hinge arm can be adjusted with respect to a hinge cup in one direction via a first eccentric (48) and in another direction perpendicular to the first direction via a second eccentric (50).