Furniture Hinge with Modular Profile and Interlocking Leaves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for linking two doors of furniture are difficult to customize in terms of appearance and adapt to different door heights, often causing interference with furniture components and limiting synchronized opening capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a supporting profile with interchangeable ornamental covers and independently mounted leaf pairs along its length, using parallel rotation pins and elastic mechanisms for synchronized door operation and automatic closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting profile has a fixed length with pairs of leaves mounted at end portions, then the hinge structure is simple and rigid, but the adaptability to different door heights and furniture configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into modular components: a supporting profile and multiple independent pairs of leaves that can be selectively mounted at different positions along the profile. This segmentation allows the same profile to be adapted to various door heights and configurations by simply repositioning or reconfiguring the leaf pairs, without requiring a completely different hinge structure for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The pairs of leaves can be mounted at variable positions along the supporting profile, and the profile itself can be positioned at different locations on the furniture piece, enabling the hinge to adapt dynamically to different door heights and furniture configurations while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pairs of leaves are mounted at the end portions of the supporting profile, then the manufacturing and assembly process is simplified, but interference with furniture components such as covers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of universally mounting all leaf pairs at the end portions of the supporting profile, the invention allows for localized mounting at specific positions along the profile based on the particular application requirements. This local quality approach enables the hinge to avoid interference with furniture components like covers by positioning the leaves in clearance areas, while still maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized mounting procedures.
3Device complexity
If a common pin is used to mount both leaves of each pair onto the supporting profile, then the hinge structure is simplified, but synchronized opening of two doors cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate hinge mechanisms into a single integrated unit. By mounting pairs of leaves at different positions along the same supporting profile and connecting them through the profile structure, the system achieves synchronized door opening without requiring two independent hinge assemblies, thus maintaining structural simplicity while enabling coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting profile acts as an intermediary element that transmits motion between the two pairs of leaves. When one door is opened, the motion is transmitted through the supporting profile to the other pair of leaves, causing the second door to open in synchronization. This intermediary mechanism enables coordinated operation without requiring direct mechanical coupling between the leaves.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting profile is fixed in length, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to accommodate different spacing requirements between door pairs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting profile is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions and accommodate various spacing requirements through the selective mounting of leaf pairs at different positions along its length. Rather than manufacturing different-length profiles for different applications, a single universal profile design can be used across multiple configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 customizable and interference-free linking of doors at various angles with synchronized opening and automatic closure, accommodating different furniture dimensions and styles.
Implementation Method 1
the supporting profile will bear elastic and internal means that will drive the two leaves towards a position in which the anchoring plates will form certain angle with each other
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Hinge for furniture, comprising at least one pair of leaves (6-7) mounted in a transverse housing in a supporting profile (1) by means of parallel independent rotation pins (14), which extend through the knuckles (9) of the leaves, said knuckles being equipped with teeth (18), parallel to the rotation pins (14), which mesh with one another.