Eccentric Hinge Adjustment for Panel Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hinges for windows/doors/shutters and furniture pieces are either inconvenient to adjust, lack precision, are structurally complex and costly, or require excessive physical force, making it difficult to accurately adjust the relative position of panels and frames during mounting.

Innovation Solution

A concealed hinge with eccentric adjustment bodies that can be rotated to adjust the position of hinge elements within containment spaces, allowing for simple, precise, and force-efficient adjustment of the panel and frame relative positions using guide seats and fixing means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional hinges are used with fixed positioning, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the adjustment precision and ease of operation are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidhinge structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge employs adjustable parameters through movable hinge elements that can be repositioned along the frame, allowing the fixing position to be varied while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise adjustment without requiring a completely complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position system, where hinge elements can be moved and resecured at different locations. This dynamic capability provides adjustment precision while keeping the structural complexity manageable through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If adjustable hinges with multiple bodies are used, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is divided into modular components including hinge elements, frame components, and panel components that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows for precise adjustment functionality while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized, interchangeable parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge design incorporates multi-functional components that perform both structural support and adjustment functions. The same hinge elements serve as both load-bearing structures and adjustment mechanisms, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby lowering manufacturing complexity and cost.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed hinges are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different mounting positions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position adaptabilityVSAvoidhinge structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge system transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic adjustable configuration, where hinge elements can be repositioned along the frame to adapt to different mounting positions. This dynamic capability provides versatility without requiring multiple different hinge designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge is segmented into movable and fixed components, allowing the movable elements to be repositioned for different mounting scenarios while the fixed components maintain structural integrity. This segmentation enables adaptability through reconfiguration rather than through structural complexity.

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

Enables convenient, precise, and cost-effective adjustment of the panel and frame positions without requiring excessive force, improving the ease and accuracy of the mounting process while maintaining a structurally simple design.

Implementation Method 1

at least one eccentric adjustment body (71, 72) mechanically connected to at least one of the hinge elements (2, 3) and susceptible of being moved between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, in such positions the eccentric adjustment body (71, 72) projects from the corresponding peripheral edge (21, 31) to a different extent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP3971377B1Hinge, frame-panel assembly for closing an opening and process for adjusting a frame-panel assembly
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 OTLAV
  • EP3971377B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3971377B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3971377B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Hinge (1) comprising two hinge elements (2, 3), each of which provided with a main extension along an extension axis (T, T'). In addition, each hinge element (2, 3) is embedded in a containment space (120, 130) respectively of a panel (12) and of a frame (13) and is perimetrically delimited by a peripheral edge (21, 31). In particular, the hinge (1) comprises at least one eccentric adjustment body (71, 72), which is mechanically connected to at least one of the hinge elements (2, 3) and is susceptible of being moved between at least one retracted position and at least one extended position, and in such positions the eccentric adjustment body (71, 72) projects from the corresponding peripheral edge (21, 31) to a different extent in order to adjust the position of the hinge elements (2, 3) with respect to the respective containment spaces (120, 130).