Concealed Door Hinge Spring-Loaded Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealed door hinges with existing locking devices fail to ensure the door is fully closed without manual pressure due to insufficient closing force, and their complex designs lead to manufacturing challenges and potential defects.
Innovation Solution
A concealed door hinge with a simplified locking device using a spring-loaded mechanism that dampens only the closing movement, featuring an adjustable preload and a fluid chamber with a conical section to reduce damping, allowing the door to be pulled into the frame and locked by spring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded pull rod is used to close the door automatically, then the convenience of operation is improved, but the closing force is insufficient to engage the lock tongue with the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a two-stage damping mechanism where the damping behavior changes dynamically during the closing process. In the first stage, high damping provides strong closing force to overcome the gap and engage the lock. In the second stage, low damping allows the door to close smoothly near the closed position. This dynamic adjustment of damping characteristics enables both sufficient closing force and smooth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the damping parameter throughout the closing process by using two different damping elements with different damping coefficients. The first damping element provides high damping force for the initial closing phase, while the second damping element provides low damping for the final phase. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both strong closing force and smooth engagement.
2Reliability
If different component arrangements are used for closing and damping functions, then the functional requirements are met, but the device complexity and manufacturing effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the closing and damping functions into a single integrated locking device structure. The first and second damping elements are incorporated into the same pull rod assembly, allowing both functions to be achieved without separate component arrangements. This integration reduces the number of individual parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliable door closing and damping performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull rod assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the closing force through spring action, incorporates damping through the first and second damping elements, and enables automatic locking engagement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate component arrangements for closing and damping, reducing overall device complexity.
3Speed
If damping is applied during door closing, then the closing smoothness is improved, but the closing force is reduced when the door is near the closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic damping system where the damping force varies during the closing process. The first damping element provides high damping force during the initial closing phase to ensure smooth closing, while the second damping element provides low damping force near the closed position to maintain sufficient closing force for lock engagement. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between smoothness and force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial damping action at different stages of the closing process. High damping is applied partially during the initial phase for smoothness, while low damping is applied partially near the closed position to preserve closing force. This staged application of damping action allows both smooth closing and sufficient force to be achieved.
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 ensures the door is automatically closed and locked with minimal manual effort, reduces manufacturing complexity, and adapts to various conditions with adjustable spring force, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded tensioning device (7, 9) combined with a commercially available damping element (10)
Implementation Method 2
the closing force exerted by the compression spring, especially in the closed position of the door leaf
Implementation Method 3
A fluid chamber (8) with a conical section (17) towards the closing side is provided in the locking device (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Concealed door hinge for pivoting a door leaf on a door frame, with a multi-axis joint (2) having articulated fingers (3) that connects two housings (1) to each other, wherein a first housing (1), to which a locking device (6) is connected, can be inserted into the narrow side of the door leaf and the second housing (1) into the door frame, wherein the locking device (6) has a fluid chamber (8) through which an axially spring-loaded and displaceable pull rod (5), held at its ends on articulated fingers (3) of a joint (2) that is pivotable relative to the first housing (1), is guided, wherein a fluid-open locking element (10) is arranged in the fluid chamber (8), which is held fixedly on the pull rod (5) and which, depending on the displacement position of the pull rod (5), lies close to the wall of the fluid chamber (8) or is at least partially free from the wall.