Ambidextrous Hinge Locking via Gravitational Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing enclosures for electric power delivery systems require costly door stays to keep doors open during maintenance, which may not operate effectively and are specific to either left or right opening configurations.

Innovation Solution

An ambidextrous hinge that can be placed in a hold open position, capable of securing doors in either direction, eliminating the need for separate door stays by using a piano hinge design with engagement features that allow the door to be locked open on both right and left swing configurations using gravitational forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If door stays are used to keep doors open, then door retention in open position is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor retentionVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hinge and door stay functions into a single integrated hinge assembly. The hinge includes knuckles with engagement features that can lock the door in an open position, eliminating the need for separate door stay hardware. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining door retention capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the basic hinge function for door rotation, includes engagement features for holding the door open, and can accommodate both left-swing and right-swing door configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate door stays and different hinge configurations for different door swing directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate door stays are used for left and right opening configurations, then directional door retention is achieved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional door retentionVSAvoiddoor swing configuration compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge incorporates engagement features on both sides of the hinge assembly, allowing it to function as a door stay for both left-swing and right-swing door configurations. The same hinge can be installed on either type of door by simply rotating it 180 degrees, providing universal adaptability while maintaining directional door retention capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge design allows for 180-degree rotation to adapt between left-swing and right-swing configurations. The engagement features are positioned such that rotating the hinge reverses the swing direction compatibility, enabling the same hardware to work with both door opening directions without requiring separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If costly door stays are used, then door hold open function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor hold open functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The door hold open function is merged into the hinge assembly itself through integrated engagement features on the knuckles. This eliminates the need for separate door stay components, reducing part count, material costs, assembly complexity, and manufacturing expenses while maintaining the door hold open function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge provides universal door retention functionality for both left and right swing configurations through a single standardized component design. This universality reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce and inventory separate door stay components for different door configurations, achieving economies of scale.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ambidextrous hinge allows for cost-effective and reliable door retention in open positions without additional hardware, accommodating both left and right swing doors, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs by eliminating the need for door stays.

Implementation Method 1

securing doors in either direction, eliminating the need for separate door stays by using a piano hinge design with engagement features that allow the door to be locked open on both right and left swing configurations using gravitational forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational forces: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11674346B2Ambidextrous hold open hinge

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an ambidextrous hinge. The ambidextrous hinge includes a first knuckle with a first engagement feature, a second knuckle with a second engagement feature, and a third knuckle movably coupled between the first knuckle and the second knuckle. The third knuckle includes a third engagement feature that engages the first engagement feature to cause the ambidextrous hinge to lock in a first open position when used as a first swing hinge. The third knuckle includes a fourth engagement feature that engages the second engagement feature to cause the ambidextrous hinge to lock in a second open position when used as a second swing hinge.