Concealed Hinge with 180-Degree Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external hinges are aesthetically unappealing and insecure, as they are visible when doors are closed, and current concealed hinges only allow 130-140 degrees of opening, failing to meet the need for 180-degree rotation without visible exterior hinges.
Innovation Solution
A concealed multi-pivot hinge with four pivot points and two connecting links that allows 180 degrees of opening, completely hiding behind the door and sidewall when closed, providing a neat and compact appearance when open, using a configuration of first and second curved arms and movable links for smooth motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a typical door hinge is used to obtain 180 degrees of opening, then the door can be swung fully open, but the hinge is visible on the exterior and detracts from aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple segments including a first curved arm and a second curved arm connected by pivot pins, allowing the mechanism to be distributed across the door thickness and hidden from exterior view while maintaining full opening capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge components are nested within the door structure, with the curved arms and pivot pins positioned inside the door thickness, concealing the mechanism from exterior view while preserving full functional range
2Shape
If a concealed single pivot hinge is used to hide the hinge inside the door, then the hinge is not visible from the exterior, but the door opening is limited to 130-140 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into multiple curved arms and pivot points distributed throughout the door thickness, enabling the mechanism to accommodate a larger 180-degree opening range while remaining concealed from exterior view
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge utilizes the third dimension (door thickness) to position multiple curved arms and pivot pins in a distributed configuration, allowing 180 degrees of opening while keeping all components hidden within the door structure
3Device complexity
If hinge pins are exposed on the front when the door is closed, then the hinge structure is simple, but unauthorized persons may be tempted to cut the exposed hinge pins to break into the door
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot pins are nested within the door structure, with the curved arms and pins positioned inside the door thickness, concealing them from exterior view and preventing unauthorized access while maintaining structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An external hinge (10) is provided for pivotally connecting a door (20) to a sidewall (25) while obtaining at least 180 degrees of opening movement or degree of rotation. The external hinge (10) is substantially concealed behind the sidewall (25) and the door (20) in a fully closed position (15) of the door (20). In one embodiment, the external hinge (10) comprises a first curved arm (30a) extending between a first pivot pin (35a) of a first part (40a) mounted on an interior surface (45) of the sidewall (25) and a second pivot pin (35b) of a second part (40b) mounted on an interior surface (50) of the door (20). The external hinge (10) further comprises a second curved arm (30b) extending between a third pivot pin (35c) of the first part (40a) mounted on the interior surface (45) of the sidewall (25) and a fourth pivot pin (35d) of the second part (40b) mounted on the interior surface (50) of the door (20).