Common-Actuation Hinge Assembly for Multi-Latch Cabinet Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies on tall doors, such as those in large server or switching cabinets, require time-consuming individual actuation of multiple hinged closures to unlock and lock, especially when there are three or more closures per assembly.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with an actuating device that allows simultaneous locking and unlocking of all hinged closures, featuring a hinge bar with multiple mounting points and a drive device with a rotatable actuating element that converts rotational movement into linear motion to operate multiple latches simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hinged closures are arranged on a door leaf to secure tall doors, then the door can be reliably locked and secured, but the time and effort required to individually actuate each closure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hinged closures into a single integrated hinge assembly where all closures share common components (actuating device, pivot axis, latch mechanism). This merging allows simultaneous actuation of all closures through a single actuating element, reducing the time and effort required while maintaining the security provided by multiple closures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly provides multi-functionality by enabling the door to be both securely locked (when all closures are engaged) and easily opened (when all closures are simultaneously disengaged through a single actuation). The common actuating device serves multiple functions: locking all closures, unlocking all closures, and enabling controlled door movement, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If multiple hinged closures are used on tall doors, then the door can be securely locked at multiple points, but the complexity of the actuation mechanism increases when attempting to actuate all closures simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces actuation mechanism complexity by merging the actuation functions into a single common actuating device that operates all closures simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate actuation mechanisms for each closure, the design combines them into one integrated system with shared components, thereby maintaining security while simplifying the overall actuation mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If individual hinged closures are actuated separately, then each closure can be precisely controlled, but the overall process of opening or closing the door becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple individual closures into a single actuating device that simultaneously operates all closures. This allows the door to be opened or closed in one action rather than requiring sequential actuation of each closure, thereby significantly increasing productivity while maintaining ease of operation through the unified control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is pre-configured with all closures aligned on a common pivot axis and equipped with a shared actuating device. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the actuating device is activated, all closures are simultaneously disengaged or engaged, enabling rapid door opening or closing without the need for sequential individual control, thus improving productivity.
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 configuration significantly simplifies the process of opening and closing doors by allowing all hinged closures to be actuated with a single device, reducing the time and effort required for locking and unlocking, especially in scenarios with multiple closures.
Implementation Method 1
a drive device with a rotatable actuating element that converts rotational movement into linear motion to operate multiple latches simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly having at least two hinge locks for locking a door leaf relative to a door frame and for tilting the door leaf relative to the door frame, wherein an actuation device for common actuation of the hinge locks is provided. The disclosure also relates to a door comprising a hinge assembly and to a method for mounting a hinge assembly.