Single-Axis Furniture Hinge With Nested Damper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture hinges lack user comfort and stability, particularly in terms of pivoting range and ease of use, with complex designs often compromising on simplicity and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A single-axis furniture hinge with a damper arrangement and holding mechanism, allowing for a wide pivoting angle (up to 270 degrees) and easy manual operation, featuring a cylindrical joint axis and a latching element with spring force for secure closure and easy opening, while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a damper arrangement is added to provide damping during closing movement, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper arrangement is nested within the existing hinge structure, with the damper integrated into the joint parts rather than being a separate external component. This allows the damping function to be added while minimizing increase in overall device complexity and maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper arrangement automatically provides damping during the closing movement without requiring external control or additional energy input. The damper self-activates based on the movement direction, providing passive damping that improves user comfort without complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a holding mechanism with latching element is added to secure closed position, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism with latching element automatically engages when the furniture part reaches the closed position, securing it without requiring additional actuators or control systems. The spring force automatically actuates the latching element, providing stable closure while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism is combined with the damper arrangement and hinge structure, sharing common components and mounting points. The latching element is integrated into the joint parts, merging multiple functions (damping, holding, and articulation) into a unified structure that reduces overall complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge allows wide pivoting angle up to 270 degrees, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into joint parts with specific articulation points that enable the wide pivoting range. The segmentation of the hinge into modular components (joint parts, damper, holding mechanism) allows each to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to the overall 270-degree pivoting capability.
4Volume of moving object
If the hinge is designed as a compact unit, then space efficiency is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed as a modular unit with separable joint parts that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard processes while the final assembled unit achieves compact dimensions, balancing manufacturability with space efficiency.
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 enhances user comfort by providing a stable, space-efficient, and easy-to-use hinge that effectively dampens the closing movement, preventing impact noises and dust entry, while allowing easy manual operation without additional effort.
Implementation Method 1
the spring (17) acting on the latching element (15)
Implementation Method 2
a damper arrangement (20) for damping the relative movement between the first joint part (11) and the second joint part (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A furniture hinge (4, 5, 25) for connecting two furniture parts (2, 3) is proposed, comprising a first joint part (12) and a second joint part (11), such that a movable furniture part (2) is movable with the furniture hinge (4, 5, 25) attached to the furniture parts (2, 3), wherein the furniture hinge (4, 5, 25) has exactly one pivot axis for the articulated connection of the first joint part (12) with the second joint part (11), such that the two joint parts (11, 12) can be pivoted relative to each other from a closed position of the furniture hinge (4, 5, 25), in which the two joint parts (11, 12) are spatially close to each other, towards an open position of the furniture hinge (4, 5, 25) and back towards the closed position of the furniture hinge (4, 5, 25). 25) are swivel-in.According to the invention, a damper arrangement (20, 26) for damping the relative movement between the first joint part (12) and the second joint part (11) to reach the closed position of the furniture hinge (4, 5, 25) is provided such that the damping of the relative movement takes place over a predetermined movement phase as part of the entire possible relative movement of the first joint part (12) and the second joint part (11) to reach the closed position of the furniture hinge (4, 5, 25).