Adjustable Hinge Eliminates Shimming via Threaded Adjusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting door hinges to realign door latches with strikes on door frames is a tedious and time-consuming process, often requiring multiple hinges to be adjusted and shimmed, which is costly and aesthetically unappealing due to the need for multiple holes and fasteners.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hinge system with a hinge pin and a hinge plate featuring threaded apertures for adjusters, allowing for vertical, horizontal, and angular adjustments without additional holes, using a single set of apertures for both adjusters and conventional fasteners, and a tool-engaging feature for easy rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional shimming method is used to adjust hinges, then door latch alignment is improved, but adjustment time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system incorporates adjustable positioning elements that allow dynamic adjustment of the hinge plate position relative to the door frame. The fasteners can be selectively positioned in different locations on the hinge plate to achieve proper door latch alignment without time-consuming shimming procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge plate is pre-designed with multiple predetermined fastener locations and adjustment features built into its structure. This preliminary preparation allows for quick alignment adjustments during installation without requiring field fabrication or iterative shimming.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holes and fasteners are added to the hinge plate for adjustment, then alignment capability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge plate is designed as a multi-functional component that combines both aesthetic coverage and adjustment functionality. The same hinge plate structure serves as both the visible aesthetic element and the functional element with integrated fastener locations, eliminating the need for additional visible holes or adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional lifting elements and threaded holes are added to the hinge plate, then adjustment functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment functionality is merged into the existing hinge plate structure rather than being added as separate components. The hinge plate itself incorporates the adjustment features and fastener locations, eliminating the need for separate lifting elements or additional threaded holes that would increase manufacturing complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional adjustment method with shims is used, then door alignment is improved, but labor cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system allows dynamic repositioning of fasteners to different locations on the hinge plate during installation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables proper door alignment to be achieved quickly through simple fastener repositioning rather than expensive and time-consuming shimming procedures.
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
This solution allows for faster and more efficient hinge adjustments, reducing the need for multiple shims and holes, resulting in a cleaner appearance and lower manufacturing costs while significantly reducing the time required for alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge plate defining at least one threaded aperture, and an adjuster configured to threadedly engage each threaded aperture
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable hinge of the present invention includes a hinge pin and a hinge plate coupled to the hinge pin and a plurality of adjusters configured to threadedly engage a plurality of threaded apertures formed in the hinge plate. The adjusters define respective central pass-through bores for receiving a fastener configured to fasten the hinge plate to a door or door frame. The adjusters are operatively associated with a door or door frame, so that, after slightly loosening the existing fastener, rotating the adjuster changes the gap between the hinge plate and the surface of the door or door frame. Once the desired gap has been obtained, the fastener is tightened against the adjuster, and into the door or door frame, thereby maintaining the gap.