Quick Coupling Furniture Hinge with Segmented Wedge Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture hinges require precise mounting procedures and tools for secure coupling, leading to potential instability and partial fixation issues, especially when multiple hinges are involved.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling furniture hinge design featuring pivotable assemblies on the hinge arm that allow independent coupling with the base mounting panel, using a transversal bolt and lath-like assembly with a push spring for secure and tool-free attachment, enabling asymmetric force application and sequential coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pivotable wedge element is used to engage into a groove on the base mounting panel, then the coupling can be performed without tools, but the connection becomes unreliable and the door may fall
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element is divided into two independent pivotable wedge elements (first and second wedge elements) that can engage with the base mounting panel independently. This segmentation ensures that if one wedge element fails to engage properly, the other can still provide secure connection, preventing the door from falling while maintaining tool-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mounting element are designed with different functions: the first wedge element engages with a first groove, the second wedge element engages with a second groove, and intermediate portions provide structural support. This local differentiation of quality ensures reliable connection at critical points while maintaining ease of operation overall.
2Ease of manufacture
If arc-like grooves are used to guide the rollers, then the coupling process is simplified, but the rollers may fall out of the grooves if the grooves are not perfectly aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable wedge elements are designed with preliminary guiding surfaces that lead the elements into the grooves during the coupling process. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment is achieved automatically during installation, compensating for minor manufacturing tolerances and preventing the rollers from falling out of the grooves.
3Device complexity
If a single mounting element is used for the hinge arm, then the structure is simple, but asymmetric force application causes uneven loading and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The single mounting element is segmented into two independent pivotable wedge elements that can bear loads independently. This segmentation allows asymmetric force application at different locations on the hinge arm to be distributed to different wedge elements, preventing uneven loading concentration and potential failure while maintaining overall structural 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
Facilitates simple, reliable, and secure coupling and uncoupling of furniture doors without tools or precise instructions, ensuring stable attachment even with asymmetric force application and multiple hinges, preventing door instability.
Implementation Method 1
a push spring that forces the lath into the final locked position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A quick coupling furniture hinge for a quick arrangement of a door of a furniture element onto a base furniture element, wherein the hinge comprises a hinge pot arranged in the furniture door and a hinge arm pivotably fastened thereon. The hinge arm is provided with a mounting assembly fixed in the hinge arm, via which mounting assembly the hinge arm is fastened to a base mounting panel that is fixed on the base furniture element, so that the pivotable assemblies co-operate independently from each other with each complementarily shaped element arranged on the base mounting panel.