Compact Damped Hinge With Integrated Lever And Friction Shoe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for household appliances and furnishings are bulky, complex, and expensive, making them unsuitable for applications with limited space, such as domestic ovens, and prone to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A compact, balanced, and damped hinge device with a friction shoe and helical spring mechanism, featuring a pivot pin connection, lever system, and adjustable slots for optimal force transmission and friction regulation, allowing for smooth door operation in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional weight balancing springs and profile cams are used, then door balancing function is achieved, but hinge device becomes bulky and unsuitable for limited space applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the door balancing function from the traditional complex mechanism (springs and profile cams) and implements it through a simpler counterweight element that is directly integrated into the hinge device structure, reducing overall volume while maintaining the balancing function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (door balancing, damping, and positioning) into a single integrated hinge device structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the overall volume required for the hinge system
2Reliability
If traditional hinge mechanisms with multiple components are used, then door operation is stabilized, but device complexity increases leading to higher cost and susceptibility to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (counterweight mechanism, damping element, and positioning system) into a single integrated hinge device, reducing the number of separate parts and potential failure points while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge device is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides door balancing, damping during operation, and positioning at intermediate angles, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function
3Ease of operation
If friction shoe damping mechanism is added to existing hinge, then door closing damping is improved, but device volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is merged into the existing hinge structure through an integrated friction shoe mechanism that works in conjunction with the counterweight element, providing damping without requiring additional space or complex separate damping systems
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 solution provides a reliable, space-efficient, and cost-effective hinge system suitable for various applications, ensuring smooth operation and reduced wear, while being adaptable to different installation orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a friction shoe means (9) made of alloy, for example die-cast zamak, or of die-cut and folded sheet metal, a face of which, preferably flat and provided with a friction element or a layer of friction material, slides on a preferably flat surface of a respective friction wall means (11)
Implementation Method 2
a linear resilient means (17) having a first end fixed to a connection (19) locked to the end of the first member (3) opposite to the pivot pin (7)
Data Source
AI summary
The damped and compact hinge device includes a spring (17) fixed to a first member (3) and a second end coupled to interconnection means (13) having a first mobile pin (27) of a lever (23) sliding along a first slot (29) of the first member (3). The interconnection means (13) further includes a rod (31) connecting the lever (23) to a first end of a rocker arm (35), the rocker arm (35) having a first end linked via the rod (31) to the first mobile pin (27) and having an opposite end rotatably connected to a second member (5) by a fixing pin (37) spaced from a pivot pin (7). A median portion of the rocker arm (35) has a second mobile pin (41) for sliding in a second slot (43) of the first member (3), the second slot (43) being rectilinear, curved, or S or C shaped.