Compact Adjustable Hinge with Eccentric Cam and Flexible Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabinet door hinges face challenges such as complex installation, insufficient adjustment capabilities, instability of adjustments, and high manufacturing costs due to intricate designs and multiple components required for three-dimensional adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A compact adjustable self-closing hinge with a simplified design featuring a hinge cup, hinge arm assembly, and a fastener plate with an eccentric cam and adjustment screw, allowing for vertical, horizontal, and lateral adjustments without the need for intermediate structures or additional hinge pins, using a semi-cylindrical elastically flexible hinge section for lateral adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cam screws or eccentric cam screws are used to achieve three-dimensional adjustments, then the adjustment capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (vertical adjustment via elongated hole, horizontal overlay adjustment via eccentric cam, and lateral adjustment via flexible hinge section) into a single integrated fastener plate structure. This eliminates the need for multiple separate cam screws and intermediate plates, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining three-dimensional adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener plate is designed as a multi-functional component that provides vertical adjustment through its elongated hole, horizontal adjustment through the eccentric cam mechanism, and lateral adjustment through the flexible hinge section. This single component performs what previously required multiple separate adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall hinge assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plate hinge arm segments are used to achieve three-dimensional adjustment, then the adjustment capability is improved, but the number of components and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple plate hinge arm segments into a single integrated fastener plate structure. The fastener plate incorporates the elongated hole for vertical adjustment, the eccentric cam for horizontal adjustment, and the flexible hinge section for lateral adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple separate plate segments and reducing the total component count.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple intricate and expensive pieces are used for adjustable hinge functionality, then the adjustment capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple intricate adjustment components into a single fastener plate that can be manufactured as one piece or as integrated components. This eliminates the need for multiple expensive intricate pieces and complex assembly hardware, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full three-dimensional adjustment capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment screws are repeatedly inserted and removed for door adjustment, then the adjustment capability is improved, but the screw fit becomes unstable and mounting becomes insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw insertion/removal adjustment system with an eccentric cam mechanism for horizontal overlay adjustment. The eccentric cam allows adjustment by simply rotating the existing mounting screw, eliminating the need to repeatedly insert and remove screws. This maintains full adjustment capability while preserving screw fit stability and mounting security.
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 enables easy and economic manufacturing and installation with fewer components, providing stable long-term adjustments and reducing the need for frequent re-adjustment, ensuring proper door closure and extending the lifespan of both the cabinet and hinge.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-cylindrical elastically flexible hinge section that allows the distance between the first planar surface and the second planar surface to be selectively adjusted by an adjustment screw
Implementation Method 2
through an eccentric cam can accommodate a horizontal adjustment perpendicular to the axis of the hinge pin
Data Source
AI summary
The invention disclosed provides a compact hinge capable of a vertical, a horizontal, and an overlay adjustment, comprised of a cup portion and a hinge arm with one end pivotably connected to the cup portion and the other end slideably connected to a fastener plate. The fastener plate further comprises a first semi-planar surface for contact with a cabinet frame and a second semi-planar surface for slideable engagement with the hinge arm to accomplish the horizontal adjustment. The first and second semi-planar surfaces are interconnected by a deformable hinge section that allows for an elastically resilient connection at one end and an adjusting screw at the other end for a horizontally arcing movement relative to each resulting in an overlay adjustment. The fastener plate further comprises an elongated aperture in the first semi-planar surface through which the vertical adjustment is accomplished.