Adjustable Hanger Hinge Locking Mechanism for Folding Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hanger hinges for folding doors and windows face issues with height adjustment stability, requiring multiple tools and risking damage to panels due to nut slippage, and existing solutions are either complex, unsightly, or not suitable for large and heavy panels.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hanger hinge with a locking mechanism that uses a sleeve and locking member, allowing axial movement to secure the hanger bolt's position, utilizing an adjusting tool to lock and unlock the mechanism for height adjustment, and incorporating a biasing member to maintain the locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second locking nut is used to lock the height-adjusting nut in position, then the adjustment stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring two spanners
Solution Approach 1:
The locking nut and height-adjusting nut are merged into a single integrated component with a T-shaped configuration. The vertical portion serves as the height-adjusting nut while the horizontal portion serves as the locking nut, eliminating the need for separate locking and adjustment components. This allows both locking and height adjustment functions to be performed with a single spanner, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If nuts are positioned in close proximity to the panels for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to spanner slippage damaging the panels
Solution Approach 1:
A T-shaped spanner is introduced as an intermediary tool that engages with the T-shaped nut configuration. The horizontal portion of the T-spanner provides a stable engagement surface that prevents slippage onto the panel, while the vertical portion allows access to the locking nut. This intermediary tool resolves the conflict between compact nut positioning and panel protection by providing a dedicated interface that eliminates slippage damage.
3Reliability
If a lockable carrier hinge assembly with threaded hanger bolt is used, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates for large and heavy panels
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct functional portions within a single nut: the vertical portion for height adjustment and the horizontal portion for locking. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining a compact overall structure. The T-shaped configuration provides clear functional separation that simplifies manufacturing compared to integrated threaded bolt systems, particularly for large and heavy panels where simplicity is crucial.
Data Source
AI summary
A hanger hinge for a folding door, window or similar closure having one or more panels, the hanger hinge comprising: A hanger bolt having a receiving portion in a lower end thereof adapted to receive at least a portion of an adjusting tool; A sleeve adapted to be supported on the lower end of the hanger bolt; At least one hinge leaf pivotally mounted on the hanger bolt and adapted to be fixed to a respective panel; and A locking mechanism comprising a locking member movable axially between a locked condition in which the locking member is engaged with the sleeve in a manner to substantially preclude rotation of the hanger bolt relative to the sleeve, and an unlocked condition in which the locking member is disengaged from the sleeve by axial insertion of the adjusting tool into the receiving portion, thereby freeing the hanger bolt for rotation relative to the sleeve.