Adjustable Hinge Arrangement with External Torque Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge arrangements often become dysregulated due to movement, weight, vibrations, and improper use, leading to issues with the positioning of the pivot pin axis relative to the sleeve section axis, which affects the alignment and stability of sash with respect to the frame.

Innovation Solution

A hinge arrangement featuring a pivot pin with a threaded adjustment hole and radially internal protrusions or recesses, combined with jaw members and an adjustment screw that allows for external torque application, along with a locking screw to secure the position, ensuring precise adjustment and stability between the sash and frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional hinge arrangement is used, then the structure is simple, but the hinge arrangement becomes dysregulated due to movement, weight, and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of hinge arrangementVSAvoidcomplexity of hinge structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge arrangement incorporates pre-adjustment mechanisms that allow the pivot pin axis position to be set and locked before the hinge is put into service. The adjustment screw and locking screw are positioned to enable preliminary positioning of the pivot pin relative to the sleeve section, preventing dysregulation caused by movement and vibrations during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge arrangement includes self-locking features where the locking screw automatically secures the adjustment screw in place after positioning. The radial protrusions and recesses create a self-aligning mechanism that maintains the pivot pin axis alignment without requiring continuous external intervention, allowing the hinge to maintain its regulated state under load and vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the pivot pin axis position is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the hinge arrangement cannot be adjusted for proper sash alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of sash positioningVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of adjustable mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge arrangement is divided into distinct functional segments: the adjustment screw for positioning, the locking screw for securing, and the radial protrusion-recess features for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling easy adjustment of the sash alignment while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing for each individual part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment screw acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the pivot pin axis position. By rotating the adjustment screw, the operator can precisely control the position of the pivot pin relative to the sleeve section without directly manipulating the pivot pin itself. The locking screw then serves as a second intermediary to secure this adjusted position, providing a simple two-step adjustment and locking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge arrangement is made adjustable, then the sash alignment can be corrected, but the hinge may become dysregulated during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of hinge positionVSAvoidstability against dysregulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking screw is designed to apply a preliminary counteracting force to prevent any movement of the adjustment screw after positioning. The radial protrusions and recesses create mechanical interference that opposes any tendency for the pivot pin axis to shift due to vibrations or loads, thereby preventing dysregulation while maintaining the adjusted position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge arrangement incorporates mechanical features that cushion against dysregulation before it can occur. The radial protrusions and recesses provide a mechanical stop that prevents excessive movement, while the locking screw provides a pre-applied securing force that cushions the adjustment against vibrations and loads during operation, maintaining stability throughout the service life of the hinge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 and adjustable hinge system that maintains the alignment of the sash with the frame, preventing deregulation and ensuring easy adjustment and locking of the hinge arrangement, enhancing durability through the use of steel and aluminum alloy materials.

Implementation Method 1

a pivot pin embedded in said sleeve section and provided with a threaded through adjustment hole substantially perpendicular to the pivot pin axis, two jaw members adjacent to said pivot pin and provided with radially external recesses or protrusions cooperating with said internal protrusions or recesses of said sleeve section, an adjustment screw disposed in said adjustment hole between said jaw members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a locking screw pressing from the outside one jaw member to the pivot pin after adjusting the hinge arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

provided with torque application means accessible from the outside of said sleeve section, a locking screw pressing from the outside one jaw member to the pivot pin after adjusting the hinge arrangement and provided with means for applying torque accessible from the outside of said sleeve section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque transmission: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3670801B1A hinge arrangement
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 WALA SPOLKA Z O O
  • EP3670801B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3670801B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hinge arrangement (1) comprising at least two hinge members (2, 3) connected with each other in a hinged manner, wherein at least one hinge member (2) comprises a sleeve section (21) provided with two radially internal, substantially longitudinal protrusions (211) or recesses extending substantially in the plane (P) passing through the axis (A1) of said sleeve section (21), a pivot pin (4) embedded in said sleeve section (21) and provided with a threaded through adjustment hole (42) substantially perpendicular to the pivot pin (4) axis (A2), two jaw members (41) adjacent to said pivot pin (4) and provided with radially external recesses (412) or protrusions cooperating with said internal protrusions (211) or recesses of said sleeve section (21), an adjusting screw (43) disposed in said adjustment hole (42) between said jaw members (41), resting on inner walls (212) of said sleeve section (21) and provided with torque application means (431) preferably accessible from the outside of said sleeve section (21), at least one locking screw (44) pressing from the outside said at least one jaw member (41) to the pivot pin (4) after adjusting the hinge arrangement (1) and provided with torque application means (441) accessible from the outside of said sleeve section (21). In order to prevent the hinge arrangement from being disrupted due to its movement, weight, vibrations, improper use, etc., radial abutment means (45) are located between said pivot pin (4) and said at least one jaw member (41).