Adjustable Multi-Bar Hinge Stop for Custom Window Opening Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-bar linkage hinge assemblies for windows lack a flexible and adjustable mechanism to precisely limit the range of motion of the window sash, making it difficult to customize the opening angle and hinder access for cleaning and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A hinge assembly comprising a track, slider, link, vent bar, and a movable stop member that engages the track to limit translational motion, allowing the stop member to be fixed at various positions using a fastener, enabling adjustable ranges of motion for the window sash.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed stop position is used in the hinge assembly, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the opening angle cannot be customized and accessibility for cleaning is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of opening angleVSAvoidcomplexity of hinge assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop member is made movable along the track between multiple predetermined positions rather than being fixed. This allows the opening angle to be dynamically adjusted by repositioning the stop member to different locations on the track, enabling customization of the window sash opening angle while maintaining a relatively simple hinge assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The track is divided into multiple predetermined positions where the stop member can be positioned. Each position corresponds to a specific opening angle. This segmentation allows the stop member to be adjusted to discrete locations along the track, providing customizable opening angles without requiring a completely complex adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the stop member is made adjustable to multiple positions, then the opening angle can be customized, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization of opening angleVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stop member is designed to be movable along the track between multiple predetermined positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows users to customize the opening angle by simply moving the stop member to the desired location, making the adjustment process straightforward and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The track is pre-configured with multiple predetermined positions where the stop member can be positioned. These positions are prepared in advance during manufacturing, so users only need to move the stop member to the desired pre-established position rather than creating new positions, simplifying the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a movable stop member is used to allow post-installation adjustment, then user accessibility is enhanced, but the reliability of the hinge assembly may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of post-installation adjustmentVSAvoidstructural integrity of hinge assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stop member is designed to be movable for adjustment purposes but maintains a secure connection to the track. The movability is controlled and constrained to predetermined positions, ensuring that while adjustment is possible, the structural integrity and reliability of the hinge assembly are maintained during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The track is pre-configured with predetermined positions and corresponding engagement features that guide and secure the stop member. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the stop member is moved to a new position, it reliably engages with the track at the predetermined location, maintaining structural integrity after adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2835482B1Multi-bar linkage hinge assembly with limit stop
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 CALDWELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY NORTH AMERICA LLC
  • EP2835482B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2835482B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2835482B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A hinge assembly for moving a window sash relative to a window frame may include a track (18), a slider (20), first, second and third links (22,24,26), and a stop member (30). The slider (20) may engage the track (18) and may be translatable along the track (18). The first link (22) may be pivotably coupled to the track (18). The second link (24) may be pivotably coupled to the slider (20). The third link (26) may be pivotably coupled to the first and second links (22,24). The stop member (30) may engage the track (18) and may be configured to limit translational motion of the slider (20). The stop member (30) may be movable between a plurality of positions. Each of the plurality of positions may correspond to one of a plurality of ranges of translational motion of the slider (20).