Folding Door Hinge Knuckles with Flared Wedge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding door systems, despite using durable hinging assemblies, lack optimal strength and security against horizontal pressure and vandalism, particularly in preventing excessive unfolding and unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a central hinge system with outwardly flared wedge sections and a tongue-and-groove mechanism using PVC plastic or metal hinge knuckles, which limits the maximum unfolding angle and enhances structural strength by providing a continuous barrier, combined with a secure pin retention system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional vinyl plastic hinges are used, then the folding door is simple and easy to manufacture, but the strength and security against horizontal pressure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into multiple knuckles (at least three knuckles per hinge assembly) arranged vertically, with each knuckle providing a segment of the overall strength. This segmentation allows the hinge to achieve high resistance to horizontal pressure while maintaining a modular structure that is relatively simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly uses composite construction combining different materials: knuckles made of hard durable material (plastic or metal), steel hinge pins, and vinyl plastic panels. This composite approach provides the necessary strength and security while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components.
2Strength
If more hinge assemblies are used to increase strength, then the resistance to horizontal pressure improves, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple knuckles are merged into a single hinge assembly unit that functions as one integrated component. This merging allows the hinge assembly to achieve the strength of multiple separate hinges while reducing the overall number of discrete parts and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly extends in the vertical dimension with multiple knuckles arranged one above another, creating a multi-layered structure. This dimensional arrangement provides enhanced strength against horizontal pressure without requiring additional hinges in the horizontal plane, thus avoiding increased complexity.
3Reliability
If the hinge assembly is designed to be secure and vandal-resistant, then the security against unauthorized access improves, but the ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed to be self-locking through the interlocking knuckle and pin mechanism. The geometry of the knuckles and the pin retention feature automatically prevent excessive unfolding and unauthorized access without requiring additional locking components or complex operation procedures, thus maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The knuckles feature curved surfaces and rounded geometries that facilitate smooth movement and folding motion. This curvature allows the door to operate easily while the interlocking geometry provides secure retention, balancing ease of operation with security against unauthorized access.
Data Source
AI summary
An accordion type folding door system having a plurality of elongated panels hinged together along their longitudinal side edges into a pleated or zig zag arrangement, the folding panels being interconnected by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly is disposed between and interconnects a pair of adjacent panels, each of the pair of interconnected adjacent panels including a side edge having longitudinal groove and an extension flange, wherein the hinge assembly includes a hinge pin and a plurality of hinge knuckles disposed vertically end-to-end in alternating arrangement on the hinge pin, the hinge knuckle having a tubular central opening for accepting the hinge pin, an outwardly extending tongue for connecting to a corresponding longitudinal groove in an adjacent panel in a tongue and groove connection, and an outwardly flared wedge that extends beyond the extension flanges of the panels, whereby the wedge cooperates with the extension flanges to limit angular folding extension to a maximum desired angle.