Adjustable Hinge With Threaded Post For Vertical And Tilt Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges lack the ability to effectively adjust the height and tilt of heavy doors or gates, leading to sagging issues due to inadequate vertical and horizontal displacement capabilities, and high frictional wear.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring displaceable top and bottom leaf portions with a threaded post for vertical adjustment, a rotatively mounted door/gate abutment for tilt adjustment, a ball bearing to reduce friction, and a lubrication port to minimize wear, along with a mounting plate and horizontal threaded post for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hinge design is used, then the structure is simple, but the hinge cannot adjust the height and tilt of heavy doors or gates, leading to sagging issues
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple functional components: a leaf portion mounted to the structure, a door portion attached to the door, a threaded post extending from the leaf portion, and a nut engaged on the threaded post. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of vertical position and horizontal tilt, enabling the hinge to adapt to heavy doors while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms where the threaded post and nut allow the door portion to be repositioned vertically along the threaded post, and the horizontal adjustment mechanism allows tilt modification. These dynamic elements enable the hinge to adapt to different door weights and installation requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If heavy doors or gates are installed without proper adjustment mechanisms, then the installation is simple, but the doors or gates will sag over time
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge allows for preliminary adjustment of the door position and tilt during installation by threading the nut onto the threaded post to the desired position. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and stability before the door is fully installed, preventing sagging issues from developing later while keeping the installation process straightforward through intuitive adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge enables parameter changes in door position (vertical height) and orientation (horizontal tilt) through the threaded post and nut mechanism. By adjusting these parameters during installation, the door achieves optimal stability and alignment, ensuring long-term reliability without requiring complex installation procedures.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If frictional wear is not addressed in the hinge, then the structure remains simple, but the hinge components will experience high wear and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bearing as an intermediary element between the door portion and the threaded post. This bearing reduces direct metal-to-metal contact and frictional wear, significantly extending the hinge's operational lifespan. The bearing is integrated into the existing hinge structure without adding substantial complexity, as it fits within the existing component arrangement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If vertical and horizontal adjustment mechanisms are added to the hinge, then the hinge can prevent sagging, but the hinge becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded post serves multiple functions: it provides the vertical adjustment mechanism, acts as a structural support element, and serves as the mounting feature for the bearing. The nut provides both vertical positioning and, when combined with horizontal movement, enables tilt adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity while achieving full vertical and horizontal displacement capability.
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
The hinge provides full adjustment in both vertical and horizontal planes, minimizing sagging and wear, ensuring stable and level installation of heavy gates or doors by allowing precise adjustment and reducing friction through lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
one of said leaf plates has a ball bearing to reduce frictional wear
Implementation Method 2
a lubrication port whereby lubricant can be applied to said ball bearing
Implementation Method 3
a threaded post for varying the distance between hinge portions in the vertical
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge comprising door/gate horizontal and vertical displacement portions. The adjustment means is comprised of a threaded post for varying the distance between hinge portions in the vertical therein raising or lowering the attached door/gate and perpendicularly extending horizontal threaded post having re-positional door/gate abutment that can be used to change the tilt of the door/gate by varying the length difference of the abutments on the spaced apart hinges.