Guided-Spring Hinge with Variable Transmission for Door Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for household appliances and furniture lack the ability to adapt to different door weights and provide a smooth, controlled operation, often leading to rapid or unexpected door movements.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a base element, hinge arm, transmission element, spring, and actuating element, which allows for tensioning and relaxing of a spring to control door movement, with adjustable transmission ratios and braking mechanisms to manage door weight and prevent excessive opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hinge mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different door weights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates adjustable transmission ratios through variable geometric relationships between the transmission element and door. The transmission element can assume different positions and orientations, allowing the hinge to dynamically adapt its mechanical characteristics to match different door weights without changing the basic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge changes its operational parameters by varying the transmission ratio through geometric adjustment. The transmission element's position relative to the pivot axis changes, modifying the leverage and force transmission characteristics to accommodate different door weights while maintaining the same physical components
2Device complexity
If a fixed transmission ratio is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different door weights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism transitions from a fixed to a variable configuration. The transmission element can be positioned at different locations and angles, creating variable transmission ratios that adapt to different door weights. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through the geometric flexibility of the transmission element's mounting and orientation
3Device complexity
If no braking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the door operation control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element acts as a counterweight mechanism that provides braking force to counteract the door's weight and momentum. The spring stores and releases energy to control the door's movement, preventing excessive opening and ensuring smooth operation. This counterbalancing effect provides inherent control without requiring complex external braking systems
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 adaptable and controlled door operation for various weights, preventing rapid opening and ensuring secure, convenient use without requiring part replacement, and allowing for flexible use across different door weights.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge has a spring and an actuating element which is coupled to the spring and articulated to the transmission element. The actuating element is displaceable along a guide of the base element, by displacing which the spring can be tensioned and relaxed.
Implementation Method 2
The hinge has at least one braking surface, by means of which a frictional force can be exerted as a braking force on the transmission element, by rotating which about the rotation axis the door can be opened
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge (20) for a device (10), comprising a base element (24) and a hinge arm (30) which is connected to the base element (24) so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (32) relative to the base element (24). A transmission element (34) is provided which is held on the base element (24) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (36) relative to the base element (24). A spring (44) and an actuating element (46) coupled to the spring (44) are provided, which is coupled in an articulated manner to the transmission element (34) and is guided along a guide (52) of the base element (24) so that the spring (44) can be tensioned and released by sliding the actuating element (46) along the guide (52).A lever element (58) is provided which is connected to the transmission element (34) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (60) relative to the transmission element (34) and to the hinge arm (30) so as to be pivotable about a third pivot axis (62) relative to the hinge arm (30).