Furnishing Element Hinge with Support Foot to Reduce Door Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furnishing element hinges require frequent adjustments due to wear and geometric variations, leading to misalignment and uneven load distribution, making it difficult for average users to maintain proper alignment and opening/closing functionality.
Innovation Solution
A furnishing element hinge with a support foot that unloads the door's weight directly onto the support surface, separate horizontal and vertical adjustment mechanisms, and a hooking portion to connect to the fixed structure, allowing for simplified and permanent alignment without stressing the fixed structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hinges are connected to the fixed structure in multiple points to provide stability, then the door alignment is improved, but the fixed structure shoulder is stressed and geometric variations accelerate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the weight-bearing function from the fixed structure shoulder by introducing a support foot that contacts the support surface. This removes the harmful load from the fixed structure while maintaining door stability through the support foot's contact with the external support surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The support foot acts as an intermediary element between the door assembly and the support surface. It mediates the load transfer by providing a dedicated contact point on the support surface, preventing direct stress transmission to the fixed structure shoulder while maintaining structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the hinge to enable alignment correction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the adjustment function into a separate, dedicated mechanism rather than integrating it throughout the entire hinge structure. The support foot and its adjustment mechanism are distinct from the main hinge components, allowing independent adjustment without complicating the core hinge functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support foot adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-contained and user-operable without requiring specialized tools or expertise. The mechanism allows users to independently adjust door alignment by manipulating the support foot position, making the system self-servicing for alignment corrections.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hinge uses a simple connection to the support surface, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to correct planarity defects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support foot is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities that allow it to adapt to different support surface conditions. The foot can be repositioned vertically and horizontally to compensate for planarity defects, transforming a static simple connection into a dynamic adjustable support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes in the support foot position (vertical height and horizontal location) to accommodate variations in support surface planarity. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains proper door alignment even when the support surface is not perfectly flat, without requiring complex manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A furnishing element hinge movably connecting a door to a fixed structure of a furnishing element is provided. The fixed structure rests on a support surface and delimits a compartment. The furnishing element hinge has a fixed hinge part connected to the fixed structure and a movable hinge part connected to the door. The movable hinge part is movable at least rotatably with respect to the fixed hinge part at least between a first position, adapted to open the compartment, and a second position, adapted to close the compartment. The furnishing element hinge has a support foot connected to the fixed hinge part and resting on the support surface to unload at least the weight of the door directly onto the support surface.