Furniture Hinge Device with Segmented Vertical and Horizontal Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge devices for furniture require complex and large adjustment mechanisms, necessitating significant effort and potentially causing wear, while also requiring re-adjustment of connected parts, and do not allow for easy installation or later modifications.

Innovation Solution

A hinge device with a displaceable stop profile and adjustable stop hinges, featuring a support device with a slide and holding device that allows for easy height adjustment and secure locking, enabling precise alignment and reduced wear, with the option to mount multiple hinges without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable drive is used to move the stop profile vertically, then the door element can be adjusted vertically, but the drive becomes complex and requires larger dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddrive complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment function is divided into two independent parts: vertical adjustment of the stop profile (affecting both door elements) and horizontal adjustment of individual door elements via stop hinges. This segmentation allows simple vertical positioning without complex integrated drives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop profile serves multiple functions: it provides vertical positioning for both door elements simultaneously and acts as a mounting structure for the stop hinges. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable drive is used to move the stop profile vertically, then the door element can be adjusted vertically, but the drive requires larger dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddrive dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Vertical adjustment is achieved through a simple mechanism that affects both door elements simultaneously, while horizontal adjustment is handled by compact stop hinges. This segmentation keeps each adjustment mechanism small and space-efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the stop hinges are made adjustable to move the door element horizontally, then horizontal alignment is improved, but wear signs occur after repeated adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehorizontal adjustment capabilityVSAvoidwear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional rack-and-pinion mechanism is replaced with a lever-based mechanical advantage system. The lever arm provides adjustment capability through force multiplication, reducing wear on the mounting lever while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If the stop profile is made displaceable for adjustment, then alignment precision is improved, but other connected parts must also be readjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidreadjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment system is segmented into independent vertical (stop profile) and horizontal (stop hinges) functions. This allows vertical repositioning without affecting horizontal alignment, and vice versa, eliminating the need for complete readjustment of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Strength

If multiple stop hinges are mounted on the stop profile, then higher loads can be carried, but the adjustment of one hinge may be hindered by the second hinge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidadjustment accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple stop hinges are arranged in different spatial dimensions (vertically stacked or laterally spaced) on the stop profile. This dimensional arrangement allows each hinge to be accessed and adjusted independently without interference from others, while collectively supporting higher loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4424960A1Hinge device, stop hinge and functional unit
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 HAWA SLIDING SOLUTIONS AG
  • EP4424960A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4424960A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4424960A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The hinge device (2), which is provided for a functional unit (1) having a door (11, 11') with at least one door element by means of which a door opening (100) can be completely or partially closed and which can be moved into a door compartment (10) after the door opening (100) has been opened, comprises a stop profile (21) as well as a stop hinge (3) and at least one auxiliary hinge (3') which are detachably connected to the stop profile (21) on the one hand and connectable to the door (11, 11') on the other.According to the invention, the stop profile (21) has an anchor channel (210); a support device (22) is provided with a support body (220) comprising a support anchor (2201) which is slidably held in the anchor channel (210) and lockable with at least one locking screw (2208); the support device (22) comprises a slide (221) which is slidably mounted in the support body (220) and an actuating element (225) which is provided for moving and holding the slide (221); a holding device (24) is provided with a holding body (240) which comprises a holding anchor (2401) which is slidably held in the anchor channel (210), and a holding element (241); and that the stop hinge (3) has a stop body (30) which is supported directly or indirectly on the slide (221) and which is held by the retaining element (241) of the retaining device (24).