Adjustable Hinge Post Assembly for Misaligned Shower Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard shower enclosure door assemblies often fail to fit correctly in misaligned or non-standard shower frames, requiring costly and time-consuming customization to accommodate fabrication errors.
Innovation Solution
The door assembly features adjustable legs on the door and panel wall jambs that can mate with corresponding extensions on the hinge post, allowing for interchangeable placement of hinge posts and stiles without cutting, and extended legs to cover gaps, enabling installation on misaligned frames without customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard door assemblies are used in misaligned or non-standard shower frames, then manufacturing and installation costs are reduced, but the door assembly cannot fit correctly or be operated properly
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge post is designed with adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different frame alignments. The hinge post can be positioned at multiple locations along the hinge stile, and the hinge stile itself can be adjusted relative to the door panel, enabling the assembly to accommodate misaligned frames without custom fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge post includes an extension at its bottom that can be adjusted in length or position. This extension parameter can be modified to compensate for frame misalignment, allowing the hinge post to reach the correct mounting location on the frame even when the frame is non-standard or misaligned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge post is manufactured to excess length to provide both top and bottom extensions, then interchangeability between left and right placement is enabled, but material waste increases and cutting is required at the job site
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge post is segmented into distinct functional portions: a main body and an adjustable extension. This segmentation allows the extension to be independently adjusted or removed based on the specific installation requirements, enabling interchangeability between left and right placements without wasting material.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension is designed as a separate, removable component that can be taken out or adjusted as needed. Rather than permanently having excess material that must be cut away, the extension can be selectively used or removed, eliminating material waste while maintaining interchangeability.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge stile bottom is raised to allow clearance for base members and dams, then proper clearance is achieved, but the hinge post must be longer and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge post includes an adjustable extension that can be positioned to provide the necessary clearance dynamically. Rather than permanently raising the hinge stile bottom for all installations, the extension can be adjusted to provide clearance only when needed, based on the specific frame configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A door assembly comprising a hinge post and a hinge stile, the hinge post and hinge stile configured for a first mating configuration and a second mating configuration. The first and second mating configurations enable adjustable placement of a shower door with the hinge post forming an extension below the bottom of the hinge stile in both configurations.