Adjustable Hinge Assembly with Locking Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies require disassembly for installation and offer cumbersome adjustment processes, increasing installation time and the risk of losing components.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a locking arrangement that includes a movable locking element and a drive member, allowing for adjustable alignment and position without full disassembly, and featuring a guide arrangement to facilitate movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hinge assemblies are installed using conventional methods, then the hinge components are securely fixed, but the installation process requires full disassembly and offers no post-installation adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a locking arrangement that transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling the hinge leaf to be fixed in position during operation but adjustable during installation. The locking element can be moved between positions to secure or release the hinge leaf relative to the mounting member, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring full disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is divided into separable components including the hinge leaf, mounting member, and locking element. This segmentation allows the locking element to be independently operated to enable or disable adjustment, providing versatility while maintaining structural integrity when locked.
2Reliability
If conventional hinge installation methods are used, then components are securely assembled, but the risk of losing small components increases during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated with the hinge leaf and mounting member through guide arrangements including rails and complementary tracks. This merging ensures that the locking element remains contained within the hinge assembly structure throughout installation and operation, eliminating the risk of losing small components while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the locking element and the hinge components. The rails and tracks guide the locking element's movement and retain it within the assembly, preventing loss while enabling smooth operation during installation and adjustment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the hinge leaf is made adjustable relative to the mounting member, then alignment and position can be optimized, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement provides dynamic stability by securing the hinge leaf in its optimal position once alignment is achieved. The locking element prevents unintended movement while allowing deliberate adjustment when needed, maintaining both alignment precision and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arrangement with rails and tracks预先 establishes precise movement paths for the hinge leaf during adjustment. This preliminary guidance ensures that when the hinge leaf is positioned and locked, it achieves optimal alignment while the guide structure maintains structural integrity during and after adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly comprising a first hinge leaf assembly and a second hinge leaf assembly, each having their respective hinge leaf. The hinge assembly further comprises at least one mounting member fixable to a moveable barrier through a fixing arrangement. The first and/or second hinge leaf is connectable to the at least one mounting member so as to be adjustable relative thereto. A locking arrangement is also included to releasably lock the first and/or second hinge leaf to the at least one mounting member. The locking arrangement is operative to adopt a hold condition where relative movement between the first and/or second hinge leaf and the at least one mounting member is prevented, and a released condition where the first and/or second hinge leaf is able to be adjusted relative to the at least one mounting member.