Furniture Hinge Actuating Element Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture hinges face challenges in tool-free assembly and secure fixation to furniture, often requiring complex structures and tools, with issues such as poor handling, accidental loosening, and time-consuming locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The furniture hinge design incorporates an actuating element that moves in conjunction with the hinge arm to adjust the fastening element, utilizing a gear mechanism and eccentric for secure fixing, allowing tool-free attachment and preventing accidental loosening by integrating the actuating element within the hinge cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a flat actuating lever is used to minimize protrusion from the furniture surface, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the handling and operability become poor
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever is nested within the hinge cup structure, with its axis of rotation positioned inside the hinge cup. This allows the lever to operate within the existing spatial envelope of the hinge assembly, minimizing protrusion from the furniture surface while maintaining adequate lever arm length for effective manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating lever is oriented with its axis of rotation extending in a direction perpendicular to the conventional lateral orientation. By positioning the axis within the hinge cup and allowing rotation about this internal axis, the lever operates in a different spatial dimension, achieving compact external profile while preserving operational effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a complex clamping device with multiple components is used to secure the hinge cup, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is merged with the actuating lever mechanism. The same lever that actuates the fastening element also serves as the operating interface for the user. This integration eliminates the need for separate clamping components and actuating mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure fixation through the wedge-shaped fastening element.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is designed to automatically engage and secure the hinge cup through a wedge mechanism that utilizes the rotational motion of the actuating lever. The geometry of the wedge-shaped fastening element causes it to self-lock in the clamped position, eliminating the need for additional locking components or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a push button with spring and positioning pin is used to prevent accidental loosening, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped geometry of the fastening element converts the rotational motion of the actuating lever into a self-locking clamping action. The angled surfaces of the wedge create mechanical interference that prevents reverse motion, thereby providing accidental loosening protection through the inherent geometry of the fastening mechanism rather than through separate locking components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the hinge cup is not pulled into the mounting hole during assembly, then the assembly process is simpler, but the positioning precision and fixation stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cup includes a recess in its bottom surface that is designed to receive and engage with a corresponding protrusion on the mounting support. This preliminary geometric engagement ensures correct positioning of the hinge cup relative to the mounting hole before the fastening element is actuated, eliminating the need for separate positioning adjustments while maintaining assembly simplicity.
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
This design enables easy, tool-free assembly and secure fixation of the furniture hinge, ensuring reliable attachment without external actuating elements, reducing the risk of accidental loosening and providing a uniform surface without gaps.
Implementation Method 1
at least one eccentric (60) mounted in the pot side wall (52.4) and forming the gear, in that the eccentric when the actuating element moves from the first to the second position lifting movement of a clamping jaw resting on the hinge cup from the outside
Implementation Method 2
with at least one gear mechanism arranged between the actuating element and the fastening element
Implementation Method 3
the clamping jaw has at least one spreading extension formed in one piece, which interacts with the hinge cup during the transition from the first to the second position in such a way that the clamping jaw is spread away from the hinge cup
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a furniture hinge (10) with a stop (11) which is paired with a hinge cup element (50) comprising a hinge cup (52) and with at least one securing element, in particular a clamping jaw (72.1, 72.2) of a spreading element (72) or a securing pin (84.1, 84.2), for securing the stop on a piece of furniture. The furniture hinge also comprises at least one actuating element (40, 80.1, 80.2), which is operatively connected to the securing element, and a hinge arm (20), which is connected to the hinge cup element in a foldable manner via a joint connection. According to the invention, the at least one actuating element is arranged in the movement direction of the hinge arm so as to be moved from a first position to a second position by the hinge arm when the hinge arm is folded into the hinge cup. The furniture hinge can be assembled onto a piece of furniture without additional tools.