Folding Closure Hinge Layout for Easy Opening and Light Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding closure devices for doors, windows, and furniture are difficult to open, allow air and light to pass through, and lack robustness and safety, requiring excessive effort and manual torque for operation.
Innovation Solution
A folding closure device with elongated elements connected by hinge means, featuring a staggered rotation axis configuration and sliding mechanisms with guiding rails and wheels, which facilitates easy opening and provides a secure, light-blocking solution by forming a robust frame with metallic or synthetic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If folding closure devices use elongated elements connected by hinge means, then they can close spaces effectively, but they become difficult to open requiring excessive manual torque
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into multiple elongated elements connected by hinge means, creating a segmented folding structure that can close spaces effectively while maintaining ease of operation through the articulated design
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge means allow the elongated elements to rotate and adjust dynamically between closed and open positions, enabling easy operation while maintaining reliable closing through the articulated folding mechanism
2Ease of manufacture
If folding closure devices use simple hinge connections, then they are easy to manufacture, but they allow air and light to pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated elements are designed with specific dimensional characteristics and are positioned in a staggered arrangement to create overlapping zones that block air and light penetration while maintaining the simplicity of the hinge connection design
3Device complexity
If folding closure devices use coplanar elements in closing condition, then they have simple structure, but they are not sufficiently robust and safe
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated elements are arranged in a non-coplanar, staggered configuration when closed, creating an asymmetric structure that enhances robustness and safety by distributing forces more effectively while maintaining relatively simple construction
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 and reliable opening without excessive effort, effectively blocks light and dust, and offers a robust and safe solution suitable for locking and furniture applications.
Implementation Method 1
Each first hinge means (3) for connecting the sliding longitudinal sides (5) of two adjacent elongated elements (2) has at least one respective connecting body (8), such as an aluminium section bar, connected to said sliding longitudinal sides (5) by means of respective rotation pivots (9) defining the corresponding rotation axes.
Implementation Method 2
the rotation axis of the first hinge means (3) of the sliding longitudinal sides (5) of the elongated elements (2) define a respective fixed geometric plane (1) and the rotation axis of the second hinge means (4) of the opposite longitudinal sides (7) of said elements (2) define a movable geometric plane more far away from the guiding means (6)
Implementation Method 3
An upper end of each first hinge means (3) of the sliding longitudinal sides (5) of the elongated elements (2) has a sliding means (14) along the guiding means (6). Each sliding means (14) comprises a set of small wheels or bushings (15) rotating freely around a horizontal and perpendicular axis to the guiding means (6), engaged in rolling manner the longitudinal seats (16) of the same guiding means (6).
Implementation Method 4
The operation of the device provides an opening force placed on the plane defined by the elongated elements in the closing condition, by virtue of the stagger corresponding to the distance D of the rotation axes generate torques for mutually inclining the elongated elements so facilitating the movement and the opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding closure device is fit to be associated to the edges of an opening or passage and comprises at least a plurality of elongated elements (2). Each elongated element (2) has at least a longitudinal side (5, 7) rotatingly connected by hinge means (3, 4) to a longitudinal side (5, 7) of an adjacent elongated element (2). Said elongated elements (2) are movable between an opening condition of the passage, in which said elements (2) are, or are almost, mutual faced and a closing condition of said passage in which the elements (2) are coplanar or almost coplanar. A longitudinal sliding side (5) of each elongated element (2) is associated in sliding manner to at least a guiding means (6). The rotation axes of the hinge means (3) of the longitudinal sliding sides (5) of the elongated elements (2) define a respective fixed geometric plane and the rotation axes of the hinge means (4) of opposite longitudinal sides (7) of said elements (2) define a movable geometric plane more distanced from the at least a guiding means (6) in respect to the fixed geometric plane in any condition, also in closing condition, of the device (1).