Dispensing Device Hinge with Panic Opening and Damping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensing devices for unpackaged goods, particularly baked goods, face challenges in expanding the pivoting range of their doors to facilitate safe and easy access in panic situations, as existing hinges do not provide a non-destructive and reversible panic opening function, potentially obstructing escape routes and posing a risk to users.
Innovation Solution
A hinge with a base body and insertion rail, incorporating a damping device and panic hinge mechanism, which allows for increased opening force initially and reduced resistance in a second angular range, enabling the door to be opened further and safely, with a gas spring or elastic elements for supported and damped movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is opened further to clear the aisle in panic situations, then the escape route is improved, but the door obstructs the aisle during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates a panic hinge device with two distinct pivoting areas: a first pivoting area (0-90 degrees) for normal operation with higher resistance, and a second pivoting area (90-180 degrees) for panic situations with lower resistance. This dynamic resistance change allows the door to be easily pushed further open in emergencies while maintaining controlled positioning during regular use.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge changes the pivoting resistance parameter based on the angular position. In the first angular range (0-90 degrees), the panic hinge device provides higher resistance to prevent accidental opening. In the second angular range (90-180 degrees), the resistance is reduced to facilitate quick panic opening, thereby adapting the mechanical properties to different operational states.
2Speed
If the hinge provides a panic opening function with reduced resistance in the second angular range, then the door can be opened wider quickly, but the hinge must withstand variable forces
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device dynamically adjusts its damping force based on the pivoting angle and velocity. In the second pivoting area, when the door is pushed open quickly during panic, the damping device provides reduced resistance to enable fast opening. Simultaneously, the base body and insertion rail are dimensioned to withstand the variable forces generated during both normal and panic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping device is pre-configured to provide cushioned damping in the second pivoting area, preparing the hinge for the sudden force changes during panic opening. This beforehand cushioning protects the hinge components from shock loads while enabling rapid door movement when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the hinge is completely accommodated in the side brace to reduce injury risk, then user safety is improved, but the hinge has limited space for components
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed as a nested structure where the damping device and panic hinge device are integrated within the base body, which itself is accommodated in the side brace. The insertion rail extends essentially over the entire length of the base body, maximizing space utilization. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint while housing all necessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping device and panic hinge device are combined within a single base body structure, eliminating the need for separate housing for each component. This merging of functions into a compact integrated unit allows the entire hinge assembly to be accommodated within the limited space of the side brace while maintaining all required functionalities.
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 hinge enables a panic opening function that increases the aisle space during emergencies while ensuring user safety by allowing the door to be opened wider with reduced force, enhancing the overall attachment and loading of the hinge construction, and providing a self-closing and cushioned operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one damping device being provided in the base body... in the second angular range the damped hinge is to be opened with a lower opening force than in the first angular range
Implementation Method 2
with a gas spring or elastic elements for supported and damped movements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge (10) for a dispensing device (12). The hinge (10) is substantially bar-shaped and/or tubular for fastening to a door (14) of the dispensing device (12). The hinge (10) has at least a main body (20) and an insertion rail (22) for the door (14), which insertion rail is arranged on the main body (20). In the assembled state, the door (14) is inserted in the insertion rail (22) and held in the insertion rail (22). At least one damping device (24) and at least one panic hinge device (26) are provided in the main body (20).