Door Closer Hinge Mechanism Buffering Collision Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional door hinges lack a cushioning effect during door closure, leading to potential damage and safety hazards due to violent collisions, and existing door closers face issues with complex structures, limited application, and hydraulic leakage.

Innovation Solution

A door closer design featuring a hinged mechanism with a hydraulic rod and return spring assembly, guided by connecting rods and sliding blocks, providing a buffering effect through controlled door closure and positioning to prevent collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional folding hinge is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide cushioning effect during door closure leading to violent collision and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision damageVSAvoidhinge structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door closer is divided into multiple functional components: a hinge body for mounting, a buffer mechanism with piston and buffer hole for cushioning, a damper with valve structure for speed control, and a positioning mechanism with positioning block and groove for door positioning. Each component performs a specific function, collectively solving the collision problem while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge introduces intermediary elements between the door and door frame: the piston acts as an intermediary that absorbs impact energy through the buffer hole, the valve structure intermediates the damping force application, and the positioning block intermediates the door positioning. These intermediaries prevent direct violent collision between door and frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If straight push type buffer is used, then cushioning effect is provided, but mounting requires punching and is complicated with limited application range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision damageVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the buffer mechanism, damper, and positioning functions into a single integrated hinge assembly. The hinge body incorporates the piston, buffer hole, valve structure, and positioning block all in one unit that mounts to the door edge, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and complex punching requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides cushioning through the buffer mechanism, controls closing speed via the damper valve, positions the door at desired angles using the positioning block and groove, and acts as the hinge connection itself. This multi-functionality in a single component broadens application range and simplifies installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If one-way damper is used, then door closing buffer function is provided, but it works for long time in door closing stroke causing reduced life cycle when door is closed frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision damageVSAvoiddoor closer life cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve structure within the damper is designed to dynamically adjust damping characteristics based on door position and closing speed. The valve can open or close depending on the operational phase, providing strong damping during closing stroke and allowing free movement during opening, thereby reducing wear and extending life cycle under frequent operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The damping parameter is not fixed but changes dynamically through the valve mechanism. During door closing, the valve restricts fluid flow to provide buffering; during door opening and when fully closed, the valve allows free movement. This parameter change reduces continuous wear on damping components, extending reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If buffer hinge using spiral structure is used, then cushioning effect is provided, but structure becomes complex and processing difficult with no door stop function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision damageVSAvoidhinge structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a complex spiral structure, the patent segments the cushioning function into a piston moving through a buffer hole filled with damping material. This linear, segmented approach is simpler to manufacture than spiral structures while achieving the same cushioning effect. The positioning function is separately provided by the positioning block and groove mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The damping material in the buffer hole acts as an intermediary that provides cushioning through controlled compression, replacing the need for complex spiral mechanical structures. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall hinge structure while maintaining effective collision protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Object-affected harmful factors

If hydraulic mechanism door closer is used, then door closing function is provided, but oil leakage problem occurs and door stop function is not set

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision damageVSAvoidhydraulic system reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a non-hydraulic damping mechanism where the buffer hole is filled with damping material that can be easily replaced if needed. This avoids the complexity and reliability issues of hydraulic seals and oil systems. The simpler mechanical damping structure eliminates oil leakage problems entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The door stop function is provided by a separate positioning block and groove mechanism independent of the damping system. This segmentation allows the cushioning function and door stop function to operate independently, with the positioning mechanism providing reliable door positioning without the reliability issues of hydraulic systems.

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 door closer effectively prevents door collisions by automatically regulating the closing speed and providing a buffering action, enhancing safety and longevity while maintaining a hidden aesthetic appearance.

Implementation Method 1

a door closer, including a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate... a hydraulic rod... When a door is closed, the hydraulic rod provides a damping force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic damping: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

return springs are mounted in the door body connecting portion... the return spring drives the hinge to return

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12180772B2Door closer
Publication Date: 2024.12.31 NINGBO PENTAGON DAMPER CORP
  • US12180772B2 patent drawing
  • US12180772B2 patent drawing
  • US12180772B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A door closer is provided. The door closer includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate. The first connecting plate is connectable to an external door frame, the second connecting plate is connectable to a door body connecting portion. Connecting rod assemblies and return springs are mounted in the door body connecting portion. One end of the connecting rod assembly passes through the second connecting plate and is hinged to the first connecting plate. When a door is opened, an external door body drives the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate to overturn, and after the connecting rod assembly pulls the door body connecting portion, the return spring is compressed. When the door is closed, the return spring pulls the door body to close automatically.