One-Pin Furniture Hinge With Concealed Spring-Damped Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-pin hinges lack effective and aesthetically pleasing return means, are limited to specific door materials, and require visible or bulky components that complicate installation.
Innovation Solution
A one-pin hinge design with concealed return means using helical springs around a central pin, allowing for compact size and compatibility with both aluminum and wooden doors, featuring a damper for controlled closure and easy mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnets are used as return means in one-pin hinges, then the door closure is assisted, but the magnets exert action only in the last degrees of closure and require separate attachment to the door profile
Solution Approach 1:
The spring return mechanism is merged directly into the hinge body, eliminating the need for separate magnet assemblies attached to the door profile. The spring is housed within the hinge's movable arm, integrating the return function into the hinge structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field-based return system is replaced with a mechanical spring system. The spring provides continuous mechanical force throughout the closure range, replacing the limited-range magnetic attraction that only acted in the final degrees of closure.
2Ease of operation
If springs are provided in the movable part of the hinge acting against cam elements, then return closure is achieved, but the dimensions of the hinge increase and springs must be concealed in the door profile
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is nested within the hollow movable arm of the hinge, utilizing the existing internal cavity. This nesting approach allows the spring to be housed without increasing the external dimensions of the hinge, as the spring occupies space that would otherwise be empty.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the spring act externally against cam elements (which increases dimensions), the spring acts internally within the movable arm structure. The force transmission is inverted to work through the internal geometry of the hinge rather than requiring external components.
3Ease of operation
If spring-based return systems are used, then return closure is achieved, but the system is solely suitable for aluminium doors requiring concealment in door profile
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed with universal mounting features that accommodate both aluminium and wooden doors. The mounting plate and attachment mechanism are configured to work with different door materials and profiles, eliminating the limitation to aluminium doors only.
Solution Approach 2:
The requirement to conceal springs in the door profile is extracted and eliminated. The spring mechanism is fully contained within the hinge body itself, removing the dependency on door profile integration and enabling use with various door types including wooden doors that cannot accommodate internal spring concealment.
4Ease of operation
If hydraulic mechanisms are used for one-pin hinges, then controlled closure is achieved, but the pin structure becomes complex with hollow shafts and fluid chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid-based damping system is replaced with a purely mechanical spring system. The spring provides both the return force and, through its mechanical properties and mounting configuration, the controlled closure action without requiring hollow shafts, fluid chambers, or hydraulic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex hydraulic mechanism with multiple components (hollow shaft, piston, fluid chambers) is replaced with a simple, inexpensive coil spring. The spring is a single, robust component that can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the complexity and cost of hydraulic systems.
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 hinge provides a reliable, dampened closure mechanism that is compact, aesthetically integrated, and easily mountable on various door materials, addressing the limitations of prior designs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring arranged around said pin exerting a force in the direction of the axis of the pin in the final phase of closing
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Hinge (1) for the movement in opening and closing of a door (3) with respect to a shoulder (2) of a furniture item, said hinge (1) comprising return closing means, a first fixed part (20) attached to the shoulder (2), and a second movable part (30) attached to the door (3), the fixed part (20) and the movable part (30) being articulated one to the other so as to be able to rotate around a pin (4), which constitutes the axis of rotation of the hinge, wherein said return closing means comprise at least one spring (7) arranged around said pin (4) exerting a force in the direction of the axis of the pin (4) in the final phase of closing, tending to rotate coupling surfaces of said fixed part (20) and movable part (30) of the hinge.