Furniture Hinge Damping Layout for Wide-Arc Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges for furniture with face frames face challenges in accommodating a decelerating device due to space constraints, especially when using leaf springs, making it difficult to achieve effective deceleration over a wide swing arc.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a fluid-type decelerating cylinder and return spring means arranged parallel and spaced apart within the hinge box, allowing for effective deceleration over a wide swing arc, with a slider mechanism and cam surfaces to modulate the braking action, and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional decelerating device is placed inside the box with central closure springs, then deceleration function is provided, but space constraints make it impossible to house the device
Solution Approach 1:
The decelerating device transitions from a centralized cylindrical arrangement to a linear distribution along the longitudinal axis of the box. The piston rod extends parallel to the bottom wall, with the decelerating cylinder positioned along one side and return springs along the opposite side, effectively utilizing the length dimension of the box rather than competing for central volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The decelerating device is segmented into distinct functional components arranged linearly: the piston rod, decelerating cylinder, and return springs are positioned as separate elements along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows each component to occupy its own spatial zone, eliminating the need for a compact centralized arrangement.
2Volume of moving object
If the box dimensions are reduced to accommodate central elements, then space constraints are addressed, but the decelerating device dimensions become critical and cannot be further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solution exploits the longitudinal dimension of the box by arranging components in a linear sequence from front to rear. The piston rod extends parallel to the bottom wall, allowing the decelerating cylinder and return springs to be positioned at opposite ends, effectively distributing volume requirements along the length rather than compressing them into a compact form.
3Reliability
If a fluid-type decelerating cylinder is arranged centrally, then deceleration is provided, but available space is insufficient when closure springs are present
Solution Approach 1:
The decelerating cylinder is repositioned from a central location to a lateral position adjacent to one side wall, while return springs are positioned along the opposite side wall. This lateral arrangement utilizes the width and length dimensions of the box, creating sufficient clearance for both the closure springs and decelerating components without central congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal space of the box is segmented into distinct zones: one zone along one side wall houses the decelerating cylinder, while the opposite side wall zone houses the return springs. This spatial segmentation eliminates interference between components and maximizes the use of available volume.
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 effective deceleration of the hinge movement over a wide arc while maintaining simplicity and ease of assembly, even in space-constrained environments, ensuring smooth operation and preventing jamming.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-type decelerating cylinder arranged inside the box
Implementation Method 2
return spring means operatively connected with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge (10) for mounting a door (14) on a piece of furniture, comprising a hinge arm (12) fixable to a fixed part (11) of the piece of furniture and a box (13) fixable to a door (14) of the piece of furniture, swingably connected to each other; the hinge further comprises a linear-type decelerating device (22) arranged inside the box (13), having a fluid-type decelerating cylinder (23) and return spring means (24), operatively connected with each other, which extend parallel to and spaced apart from each other. The fluid-type decelerating cylinder (23) is arranged in proximity to a side wall (18′) of the box (13) and the return spring means (24) are arranged in proximity to the opposite aide wall (18″) of the box (13).