Elastomeric Spring Floor Hinge for Compact Door Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic springs for door closure mechanisms are aesthetically intrusive, prone to water ingress, and have high installation complexity and costs, requiring significant floor modifications and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A compact elastomeric spring hinge mechanism with a closed tubular housing to prevent water ingress and a simplified installation process, utilizing a small floor hole for mounting, reducing the number of components and installation time, and designed for lightweight doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional hydraulic springs are used for door closure, then door opening and closing function is achieved, but the device occupies large floor space (30cm cutout) and interferes with aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into separate components: a floor-mounted base unit and door-mounted components. This segmentation allows the heavy hydraulic mechanism to be positioned away from the visible door area, reducing floor space occupation and improving aesthetics while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a traditional floor-based horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement mounted on the door edge. This dimensional change moves the mechanism from the floor plane to the vertical door plane, eliminating the need for large floor cutouts and improving aesthetic appearance.
2Productivity
If conventional hydraulic springs are used for door closure, then door opening and closing function is achieved, but the installation process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge components are pre-assembled into modular units with adjustable features before installation. The floor base and door mounts are prepared in advance, allowing for quick alignment and installation without complex on-site assembly procedures, thereby increasing installation speed and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge incorporates adjustable and adaptable components that can be configured during installation to match different door configurations. This dynamic adjustability eliminates the need for complex custom fabrication or precise pre-planning, streamlining the installation process.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional hydraulic springs are used for door closure, then door opening and closing function is achieved, but the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into fewer components: the hinge combines door mounting, floor mounting, spring mechanism, and adjustment features into an integrated assembly. This reduction in component count simplifies manufacturing, reduces material costs, and eliminates the need for multiple separate parts while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge components are designed with universal features that can accommodate various door types and configurations without requiring specialized parts. This universality reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by using standardized components across different applications rather than custom-engineered parts for each scenario.
4Reliability
If conventional hydraulic springs are used for door closure, then door opening and closing function is achieved, but the mechanism is prone to water ingress and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates sealed housings and protective coatings that act as barriers against water ingress. These flexible seals and protective films prevent moisture from reaching internal components, eliminating the need for paraffin applications and preventing oxidation while maintaining reliable operation in humid environments.
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 elastomeric spring hinge provides a cost-effective, aesthetically neutral, and easy-to-install solution for door closure, reducing installation time by four times and weight by five times compared to conventional hydraulic springs, while preventing water damage and oxidation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric spring within a hinge mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The spring itself is a relatively durable and elastomeric which is corrosion resistant and predictable in its performance
Implementation Method 3
The spring hinge is contained within a closed tubular housing which also helps prevent water ingress
Implementation Method 4
a cam, a tracking member with a cam follower, and an elastomeric spring
Implementation Method 5
The tracking member includes a plurality of outwardly-projecting teeth which fit closely within vertical channels defined on the inside of the splines
Data Source
AI summary
A constructive arrangement in elastomeric spring for closing doors which comprises a hollow tube having one end provided with a base and the inner area the provision of an elastomeric spring disposed juxtaposed to said base having a tracking member positioned on the elastomeric spring which receives the tracking member on the opposite face whose free end presents edge provided with female fitting which allows the positioning of a cam with male fitting pressed by a pin fixed to the tube through a bushing and having inner cap with fixing holes and protective cap.