Compact Hinge Assembly for Vertical Panel Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies for folding closures with vertical panels are complex, large, and unsightly, lacking a compact and easy-to-assemble design suitable for vertical panel connections.
Innovation Solution
A simple and compact elongated hinge assembly with a slot system that allows panels to pivot between folded and unfolded positions, featuring a central entry slot diverging into branch slots, and retaining mechanisms to prevent alignment and ensure easy folding, using curved hinge elements and a dished inner surface to limit the unfolding angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If known hinge assemblies are used to connect adjacent closure panels, then the panels can be connected and folded, but the construction becomes complicated and the assembly is relatively large and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hinge member and closure panel into an integrated assembly where the panel is directly formed as part of the hinge structure. The panel includes a body portion and a leaf portion that are integrally formed, eliminating the need for separate hinge components and reducing overall complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the hinge connection between panels, incorporates the closure panel itself, and includes the latch mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall construction.
2Shape
If known hinge assemblies are used, then panels can be connected, but the appearance becomes unsightly due to lack of neat and compact construction
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the hinge member and closure panel into a single integrated assembly with the panel formed as part of the hinge structure, the design achieves a neat and compact appearance that eliminates the unsightly appearance of separate hinge components.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple hinge assembly is used, then construction and assembly are easier, but the ability to properly connect and operate vertical panels may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member includes a curved latch surface that engages with a corresponding curved surface on the panel. This curvature provides a self-aligning mechanism that ensures reliable connection while simplifying the assembly process, as the curved surfaces guide proper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly incorporates a movable latch member that can transition between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic element allows for easy operation while maintaining reliable connection when engaged, and the spring element provides automatic return to the engaged position.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly having a hinge member and two adjacent panels. The hinge member is elongated with an inner surface that is slightly dished. There is an entry slot in the center of the inner surface extending inwardly into the member, the entry slot diverging into two curved branch slots extending in opposite directions. Each panel has a curved hinge element at each side of the panel with one hinge element curved in one direction and the other hinge element curved in the other direction, both hinge elements also curved toward each other. The hinge elements of the adjacent panels are mounted in the hinge member, the hinge elements passing together into the central slot and then diverging from each other into the branch slots. The panels can be moved in the slots between a folded position where they are almost parallel and an unfolded position where they are against the inner surface, almost aligned, and extending away from each other.