Compact Hinge Apparatus With Integrated Fluid Damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact hinges for furniture lack a secure, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective damper solution to control uncontrolled cabinet door closure, leading to damage, noise, and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact hinge system featuring a fluid-filled damper cylinder with a piston rod, permanently secured within the hinge cup by a metal damper cover, combined with an adjustable 'L' shaped overlay plate and cam screws for positional adjustments in three directions, ensuring controlled door closure without the need for removable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable damper assembly is used, then the door closure speed can be controlled, but the damper is prone to inadvertent removal and is not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The damper assembly is permanently integrated into the hinge cup structure, merging the damper component with the hinge body. This integration eliminates the risk of inadvertent removal while maintaining the door closure control function, and the metal construction provides aesthetic appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
A metal damper cover acts as an intermediary component that permanently secures the damper assembly within the hinge cup. The cover provides a fixed mounting structure that prevents removal while allowing the damper to function properly.
2Reliability
If a plastic damper assembly is used, then door closure can be controlled, but the appearance is not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses metal materials (steel or stainless steel) for both the hinge cup and damper cover, creating a composite metal structure that provides both functional performance for door closure control and aesthetic appearance through the metallic finish and durability.
3Reliability
If a bulky damper assembly is used, then door closure control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the hinge cup, the damper cover, and the internal damper mechanism. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts and easier assembly, reducing overall complexity while maintaining effective door closure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper mechanism is extracted as a separate, pre-fabricated component that can be independently manufactured and then installed within the hinge cup structure. This extraction simplifies the main hinge body design and allows for specialized damper manufacturing.
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 secure, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective control over cabinet door closure speed, reducing wear and noise while allowing for easy and inexpensive manufacturing, with adjustments made without removing mounting hardware.
Implementation Method 1
A damper, comprised of a fluid filled cylinder and a piston rod extending from the cylinder, is permanently secured within the hinge cup
Implementation Method 2
The coil spring is looped around the exterior of the hinge cup while the ends abut and ride on cam surfaces on the hinge arm
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a self-closing, soft-close compact hinge comprising of a hinge cup pivotally connected to a hinge body via a hinge arm. A coil spring wrapped around the hinge cup provides the self-closing functionality and biases the hinge to a closed position. A damper is contained within the hinge cup in the path of the swinging hinge arm and guided by a damper cover fixedly attached to the hinge cup. The hinge body is comprised of three separate plates adjustably connected to each other with cam screws. The position of the hinge body with respect to the hinge arm is adjustable in three directions without the need for removal or loosening of mounting hardware used to attach the hinge body to a furniture piece.