Hidden Hinge for Metal Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinging structures for windows/doors/shutters made of metal profiles are aesthetically unpleasing due to visible hinges and require significant openings to prevent interference during panel opening, compromising both aesthetics and insulation.
Innovation Solution
A hidden hinge system is developed that embeds all hinge elements within hollow metal profiles, allowing for a small distance between profiles and maintaining a seamless appearance by using a hidden hinge mechanism that rotates 180 degrees, with a slit width of 1-7 mm, and incorporates a seal for improved insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visible hinges are used in metal profiles, then the hinging function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge components (first hinge body, second hinge body, articulation means) are nested within the hollow metal profiles (first profile, second profile). The hinge bodies are positioned inside the profiles such that they are not visible from the outside when the panel is in closed position, while still maintaining the rotational hinging function between the panel and fixed frame.
2Shape
If hidden hinges with interposed hinging axis are used, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the profile openings must be increased causing interference with opposite profile
Solution Approach 1:
The hinging axis is repositioned from an interposed position between opposite faces of profiles to a position within the plane of one of the profiles. This dimensional repositioning allows the hinge to rotate within the profile's plane rather than requiring space between profiles, eliminating interference with opposite profiles while maintaining the hidden aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of operation
If significant openings between profiles are left to prevent interference, then the panel can open freely, but the insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge components are nested within the hollow profiles, allowing the panel to rotate within the profile cavities rather than requiring external clearance space. This eliminates the need for significant openings between profiles, maintaining both free panel operation and good insulation performance by keeping profiles close together.
4Shape
If hidden hinges are embedded within profiles, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into separate modular components (first hinge body, second hinge body, articulation means) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled within the profiles. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced using standard processes and then installed to achieve the hidden aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Hinging structure for windows/doors/shutters, which comprises a first hollow metal profile (100) and a second hollow metal profile (200) respectively provided with a first appendage (105) projecting from a first hinging face (103) and with a first depression (205) receding from the second internal face (201) towards the second hinging face (203). A hidden hinge (300) is also present for rotatably connecting the two hollow metal profiles (100, 200) between a closed position (A), in which the first appendage (105) of the first hollow metal profile (100) is opposite the first depression (205) of the second hollow metal profile (200), delimiting with the second hollow metal profile (200) a first slit (305), and at least one open position (B), in which the hinging faces (103, 203) of the two hollow metal profiles (100, 200) do not face each other. The hidden hinge (300) comprises a first hinge body (2) and a second hinge body (3) mechanically fixed respectively to the first and to the second hinging face (103, 203) of the relative first and second hollow metal profile (100, 200) with the second hinge body (3) which is at least partially embedded within the second cavity (C2) of the second metal profile (200). The hidden hinge (300) also comprises articulation means (4), which rotatably connect the first hinge body (2) and the second hinge body (3) around a hinging axis (Y") parallel to the extension directions (Y, Y') of the two hollow metal profiles (100, 200) and contained within the second cavity (C2) of the second hollow metal profile (200) when the hidden hinge (300) is in closed position (A).