Eccentric Insert Hinge for Adjustable Axis Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge assemblies are not easily adjustable, making it difficult to properly align moving parts, such as windows or windshields, with respect to their frames during assembly.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable hinge assembly featuring an eccentric insert with an offset channel and a wedge lock mechanism, allowing for rotational adjustment and secure locking of the moving part relative to the frame, facilitated by a drive channel for tool access and a set screw for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing hinge assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the alignment of the moving part with respect to the frame is difficult to adjust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of hinge assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of hinge assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly transitions from a fixed configuration to an adjustable one through the eccentric insert mechanism. The eccentric insert can be rotated to different positions within the insert channel, dynamically changing the effective hinge axis location and enabling alignment adjustments after assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The eccentric insert is nested within the insert channel of the first part, and the shaft of the second part is disposed within the offset channel of the eccentric insert. This nested arrangement allows the adjustable mechanism to be integrated within the existing hinge structure without significantly increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If an adjustable hinge mechanism is implemented, then the alignment of the moving part can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision of moving partVSAvoidcomplexity of hinge assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eccentric insert is cylindrical in shape, allowing it to be rotated smoothly within the insert channel. This curved geometry enables precise angular adjustment of the hinge axis location while maintaining a relatively simple structural form that does not significantly increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The eccentric insert acts as an intermediary element between the first part (secured to frame) and the second part (secured to moving part). By introducing this intermediate adjustable component, precise alignment is achieved without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms in either the first or second part themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the eccentric insert is made rotatable for adjustment, then the alignment flexibility is improved, but the stability of the hinge position may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment flexibility of hingeVSAvoidstability of hinge position

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge lock is pre-positioned within the lock channel of the eccentric insert, and the set screw is pre-configured to engage with the wedge lock. This preliminary arrangement allows for quick locking of the eccentric insert at the desired position without requiring complex locking mechanisms, thus maintaining stability while preserving adjustment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge lock mechanism utilizes the self-wedging action of inclined surfaces. When the set screw is tightened, it forces the wedge lock into the lock channel, where the inclined surfaces create a self-locking effect that secures the eccentric insert position without requiring additional active components to maintain the locked state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 easy alignment and secure positioning of moving parts with the frame, allowing for post-assembly adjustments and cost-effective manufacturing with the ability to replace components as needed.

Implementation Method 1

A wedge lock is displaceable relative to the exterior surface to lock the eccentric insert in the insert channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A wedge lock is displaceable relative to the exterior surface to lock the eccentric insert in the insert channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNormal force: Force

Implementation Method 3

A set screw is engageable with the wedge lock to control a position of the wedge lock relative to the exterior surface of the eccentric insert

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNormal force: Force

Data Source

PatentUS10138664B2Hinge with adjustable axis location and locking mechanism

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 TAYLOR MADE GROUP LLC

AI summary

An adjustable hinge assembly for connecting a moving part to a frame includes a first part secured to the frame and including an insert channel, and a second part secured to the moving part and including a shaft. An eccentric insert is positioned in the insert channel and is rotatable in the insert channel. The eccentric insert includes an offset channel at an end facing the second part, and the shaft of the second part is disposed in the offset channel. By rotating the eccentric part in the insert channel, a relative position of the moving part to the frame can be adjusted.