Modified Door Hinge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door locking mechanisms, such as wedges, are unreliable and aesthetically unpleasing for securing doors in slightly open or ajar positions, lacking the ability to provide variable locking positions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modified door hinge with a locking mechanism that includes a first wing, a second wing, a coupling pin, and a locking pin or slab, allowing the hinge to be locked in specific positions by inserting the locking pin or slab into designated holes or slots, thereby limiting the door's range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wedge is used to secure the door in an ajar position, then the door can be locked in an open position, but the solution is unreliable and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete locking holes positioned at different angles on the hinge, allowing the locking pin to engage with specific holes to secure the door at various predetermined positions (e.g., fully closed, partially open, fully open). This segmentation provides reliable, positive engagement at each position rather than relying on an unstable wedge.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking pin is introduced as an intermediary element between the door and frame wings. The locking pin engages with locking holes in the hinge mechanism to positively secure the door at desired positions, replacing the wedge intermediary and providing more reliable mechanical engagement.
2Ease of operation
If a wedge is used to lock the door ajar, then the door position can be secured, but it is aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged into the hinge structure itself, with locking holes integrated into the door and frame wings. This eliminates the need for separate external locking devices like wedges, providing a clean, integrated appearance that maintains aesthetic appeal while securing the door position.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin serves as a discrete intermediary component that can be easily inserted and removed, providing a neat, contained locking solution that does not protrude or disrupt the visual appearance of the door and frame assembly.
3Reliability
If conventional locks/bolts are used near the door handle, then the door can be locked closed, but they cannot provide variable locking positions
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates multiple locking holes at different angular positions on both the door and frame wings, enabling the locking pin to engage at various door opening angles. This segmented arrangement provides both reliable positive locking and versatile position adjustment, allowing the door to be secured at fully closed, partially open, or fully open positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary pivot joint and as a locking mechanism. The same hinge structure provides both continuous rotational movement and discrete locked positions, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and enabling both reliable locking and position variability through the integrated locking holes and pin system.
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations provide a hinge that includes a first wing, a second wing, a coupling pin, and a locking pin. The first wing includes a first knuckle and a second knuckle. The first knuckle includes a first hole. The second knuckle includes a second hole and a first locking hole. The second wing includes a third knuckle and a fourth knuckle. The third knuckle includes a third hole. The fourth knuckle includes a fourth hole. The coupling pin is configured to couple the first wing to the second wing through the first, second, third and fourth knuckles. The locking pin configured to limit the hinge in a particular position when the locking pin is inserted into the first locking hole of the second knuckle. The locking pin configured to lock the hinge in a particular position when the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole of the second knuckle.