Pivot Hinge Cam-Follower Balance for Heavy Door Holding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pivot hinges face challenges in providing a compact design with improved holding moment and durability, particularly when used with large and heavy doors, and they often subject the pivot pin member to unidirectional radial forces leading to potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A pivot hinge design featuring a slidable reciprocating member with a spring arrangement located on the second side of the pivot pin member, which transfers force equally to both cam followers through a rigid connection, allowing for a balanced pivot axis and improved holding moment, even with a compact size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional pivot hinge design with spring arrangement on one side is used, then the structure is simple, but the pivot pin member is subjected to unidirectional radial forces causing potential damage and reduced durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of pivot pin memberVSAvoidstructure of pivot hinge

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the spring arrangement on one side (second side) of the pivot pin member while using a slidable reciprocating member with rigid connection to transmit force to the opposite side (first side) cam follower. This asymmetric configuration creates balanced bidirectional radial forces on the pivot pin member, preventing unidirectional loading and improving durability without requiring symmetric spring arrangements on both sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The slidable reciprocating member acts as an intermediary element that transfers the spring force from the second side cam follower to the first side cam follower through a rigid connection. This mediator enables the single-sided spring arrangement to produce balanced forces on both sides of the pivot pin member, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of stationary object

If a compact pivot hinge design is used, then the space requirement is reduced, but the holding moment capability is compromised, especially for large and heavy doors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of pivot hingeVSAvoidholding moment

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamics by incorporating a slidable reciprocating member that can move within the casing. This dynamic element allows the spring arrangement to effectively engage with both cam followers on opposite sides of the pivot pin member, maximizing the holding moment capability within a compact volume. The slidable mechanism enables force multiplication and balanced force distribution without requiring a large hinge structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of stationary object

If the spring arrangement is located on one side of the pivot pin member, then the design is more compact, but the force distribution becomes unbalanced causing increased wear on the pivot pin member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompactness of pivot hingeVSAvoidwear resistance of pivot pin member

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The slidable reciprocating member serves as an intermediary that transmits the spring force from the second side to the first side through a rigid connection. This allows the compact one-sided spring arrangement to produce balanced bidirectional radial forces on the pivot pin member, preventing unidirectional wear and improving reliability while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the force transmission function by separating the spring arrangement from direct contact with both cam followers. Instead, the spring acts on the second side cam follower, which then transmits force through the slidable reciprocating member to the first side cam follower. This segmentation enables compact one-sided mounting while achieving balanced force distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enables a compact and durable pivot hinge that effectively retains large doors in desired positions with a balanced force distribution, reducing wear and tear on the pivot pin member and enhancing stability.

Implementation Method 1

The pivot hinge comprises a spring arrangement adapted to urge a cam follower against the cam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20250263961A1A pivot hinge and pivotal door leaf

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 FRITSJURGENS HLDG BV

AI summary

A pivot hinge has a pivot pin member for pivotally connecting a pivotal door leaf with a structural element. The hinge comprising a first cam follower on a first side of the pivot pin member and a second cam follower on a second side of the pivot pin member opposite the first side, the first and second cam followers both being movable in a radial direction relative to the cam. A slidable reciprocating member is arranged within the casing and has first and second end parts rigidly connected to one another. The cam has a pair of recesses. The spring arrangement is arranged between the second cam follower and the second end part and urges both first and second cam followers against the cam and into the respective recess to provide a holding moment to retain the door leaf in a holding position.