Furniture Hinge With Concealed Deceleration Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges with elastic means for furniture leaves result in noise when closing due to the slamming of the leaf against the furniture body, and existing deceleration devices are not suitable for a specific type of hinge with a flat fixed part and perpendicular rockers, which are invisible and require a different design.
Innovation Solution
A decelerated hinge with a flat fixed part insertable into the furniture wall, featuring a concealed deceleration device actuated by internal means, allowing only the rockers to be visible, and adjustable relative positioning between the fixed and moveable parts, utilizing a deceleration device integrated within the hinge to dampen the closing and opening motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If elastic means are used to push the hinge arm in the direction of closure, then the hinge closing force is improved, but noise is generated due to slamming against the furniture body
Solution Approach 1:
The deceleration device is activated in advance during the closing motion to reduce the speed of the hinge arm before it reaches the closed position. This preliminary deceleration prevents the slamming impact that would otherwise occur, thereby eliminating noise while maintaining the elastic closing force throughout the motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The deceleration device acts as a cushioning mechanism that progressively reduces the kinetic energy of the closing hinge arm. By providing this cushioning effect before the final closure, the device prevents the harmful impact and noise generation while allowing the elastic means to continue providing closing force.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a deceleration device is added to dampen closing motion, then noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deceleration device is merged with the existing hinge structure by integrating it into the fixed part. The actuation means are incorporated within the fixed part's geometry, and the deceleration mechanism shares spatial and structural elements with the rockers and articulation system, thereby reducing overall complexity despite adding the deceleration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed part of the hinge is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the structural mounting for the hinge, houses the actuation means for the deceleration device, and contains the deceleration mechanism itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Shape
If the fixed part is made flat for in-wall insertion, then aesthetics are improved, but deceleration device integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The deceleration device and its actuation means are nested within the fixed part's internal geometry. The fixed part is designed with internal cavities and chambers that accommodate the deceleration mechanism, allowing the external surface to remain flat and aesthetic while housing the complex internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The deceleration device is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the articulation axes, utilizing the third dimension within the fixed part's thickness. This dimensional arrangement allows the deceleration mechanism to be integrated without protruding from the flat external surface, maintaining aesthetics while enabling functional integration.
4Shape
If actuation means are concealed within the fixed part, then aesthetics are improved, but ease of adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is extracted from the concealed actuation means and provided through a separate, accessible adjustment device. This adjustment device can be operated from the front of the furniture piece, allowing users to adjust the hinge position without needing to access the concealed actuation means within the fixed part.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary adjustment mechanism is introduced that connects the user's external adjustment action to the internal positioning of the hinge components. This intermediary device translates external adjustment inputs into internal repositioning movements, maintaining both aesthetic concealment and operational accessibility.
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 solution effectively reduces noise during closure, maintains a sleek, invisible design, and allows for easy adjustment and implementation, ensuring a reliable, cost-effective, and practical hinge mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a deceleration device which is adapted to decelerate at least part of the closing and/or opening motion of the hinge
Implementation Method 2
elastic means that are adapted to push an arm of the fixed part, or the articulation system, in the direction of closure of the hinge
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A hinge (1) for leaves of furniture and the like, which comprises a fixed part (2) which is shaped to be inserted in a seat (5) provided within the thickness of an upper or lower wall of a piece of furniture (3) and a moveable part (4) which can be connected to a leaf of the piece of furniture, the fixed part (2) and the moveable part (4) being mutually connected so as to oscillate by way of an articulation system (7, 8) which comprises at least one articulation axis and a rocker, the hinge further comprising elastic means (11) for closing the hinge which are functionally connected to the at least one rocker, and a deceleration device (15) which is adapted to decelerate at least part of the closing and/or opening motion of the hinge, the deceleration device (15) being actuated by actuation means (16) which are entirely concealed within the fixed part (2) of the hinge.