Adjustable Hinge with Locking Collar for Secure Height Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges and adjustment mechanisms for doors and windows face issues with height adjustment accuracy and security, particularly when external access allows panels to be pushed out of alignment or removed, and existing solutions like threaded bolts cause height changes during door operation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hinge pin system with a locking mechanism and fastener that limits access to the adjustment member, using a keyway and key for orientation control and a grub screw for secure positioning, allowing vertical displacement of the hinge pin while maintaining security by restricting access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the adjustment member is accessible from the exterior, then height adjustment can be performed, but security is compromised as unauthorized persons can tamper with or remove the hinge
Solution Approach 1:
A locking collar is introduced as an intermediary component between the adjustment member and the external environment. This collar can be rotated to different positions (first position allowing access, second position blocking access) and is secured by a retaining clip, thereby mediating between the need for adjustment accessibility and the need for security against unauthorized tampering.
2Ease of operation
If a threaded bolt is used for height adjustment, then vertical displacement is achieved, but the door height changes during pivoting due to bolt rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: an adjustment member for vertical displacement, a locking collar for securing the position, and a retaining clip for maintaining the collar's rotational position. This segmentation allows the adjustment function to be separated from the pivoting function, enabling height adjustment without the unwanted rotation effect that occurs with a simple threaded bolt.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar is designed to be rotatable between different positions, providing dynamic control over access to the adjustment member. When in the first rotational position, the collar allows access for adjustment; when rotated to the second position, it blocks access and secures the adjustment member, thereby dynamically adapting the system's accessibility state.
3Device complexity
If the hinge uses a simple pivot pin design, then the structure is simple, but no height adjustment is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed with multi-functionality: the basic pivot pin provides the primary pivoting function, while the added adjustment member, locking collar, and retaining clip collectively provide height adjustment and security functions. This universal design allows a single hinge assembly to perform multiple functions (pivoting, height adjustment, and security locking) without requiring entirely separate mechanisms.
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 precise height adjustment of door panels with improved security by limiting access to the adjustment mechanism, ensuring the fastener can only be accessed when necessary, preventing tampering and maintaining panel alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge pin can thus be turned clockwise or anticlockwise so that it moves along the thread to vary the distance between the hinge leaves and the carriage
Implementation Method 2
a fastener for releasably fastening the adjustment member, and a locking mechanism adjacent the second end of the hinge pin, wherein the locking mechanism is releasably fixable to limit access to the fastener
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of hinges and carriage mechanisms, such as a hinge and carriage mechanism adapted to hang a door, gate, panel, window or the like. The present invention is suitable for use with a means of providing height adjustment for a door and can reduce undesirable tampering and improve the security of the hinges and door assemblies by controlling the orientation of specific part of a hinge to limit access to the fastener.