Elastically Deformable Damper Assembly for Cup Hinge Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing damper assemblies for concealed hinges require high assembly forces and risk permanent deformation of components during installation, making them difficult to install and remove safely and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The damper assembly features an elastically deformable receiving web that protrudes beyond the carrier plate's contour, allowing non-positive and positive fixation within the hinge cup using deformable fixing elements and a piston rod seat, enabling easy installation and removal with minimal force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid piston rod holder is used, then the force transmission is stable, but the assembly requires high installation forces and risks permanent deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmission stabilityVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving web changes its structural parameter from rigid to elastically deformable, allowing it to flex during installation and then return to its original shape to secure the piston rod, thereby reducing installation forces required while maintaining secure fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving web transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastically deformable structure that can adapt during installation and removal operations, enabling easy installation and removal while maintaining secure piston rod fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If high assembly forces are applied, then the damper assembly can be securely mounted, but permanent deformation of components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidcomponent deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving web's material or structural parameters are changed to be elastically deformable, allowing it to deform under installation forces and then recover, thereby achieving secure mounting without permanent deformation of components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastically deformable receiving web acts as a cushioning element that absorbs installation forces elastically, preventing these forces from causing permanent deformation to the rigid components like the piston rod holder and hinge cup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the receiving web is made elastically deformable, then installation effort is reduced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation effortVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding complex mechanical components, the solution changes the parameter of the receiving web to be elastically deformable, which simplifies the overall structure while enabling easy installation and removal operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design allows for safe, interchangeable, and low-effort installation and removal of the damper assembly, preventing component deformation and accommodating tolerances in the hinge cup, while ensuring secure fixation and effective damping of door closure movements.

Implementation Method 1

The receiving web is designed to be elastically deformable, so that it can be deformed when the damper assembly is inserted into a hinge cup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3380693B1Damper assembly of a cup hinge
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 ZIMMER MARTIN
  • EP3380693B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3380693B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3380693B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a damper assembly (30) for a cup hinge, having a carrier part (31) and a cylinder-piston unit (61), which comprises a cylinder (62) that is axially displaceable relative to the carrier part (31) and can be reset by means of spring elements (81), and a piston rod (63) guided in the cylinder. The invention further relates to a cup hinge having such a damper assembly (30). The carrier element (31) has an integrated, eleastically deformable receiving piece (42), in which the piston rod (63) can be fixed. Furthermore, on the side that is opposite the receiving piece (42), the carrier element (31) has two fixing elements (51) that are spaced apart from one another and are elastically deformable.