Hinge and shower partition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for pivoting doors, particularly in shower partitions, face challenges in achieving a simple structure with few parts, good functionality, and long service life while allowing for easy assembly and adaptation to different angular positions, while also being torsion-proof and splash-proof.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a one-piece hinge strip with a contact edge for torsion-proof support, an intermediate piece made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for reduced friction and abrasion, and a metal bearing section for a lubricant-free pivot bearing, along with a conical bearing section for tolerance compensation, and a clamping mechanism to prevent detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate piece with sliding bearing surfaces is used to enable axial movement during pivoting, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the intermediate piece with the second bearing part into a single integrated component. The intermediate piece is radially mounted on the second bearing part, merging two previously separate elements into one, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the axial movement functionality during pivoting
Solution Approach 2:
The second bearing part is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a mounting structure for the intermediate piece and provides the pivoting axis itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall hinge structure while enabling both pivoting and axial movement
2Reliability
If plastic material is used for the intermediate piece to reduce friction, then the service life is improved, but the strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic for the intermediate piece. This composite material combines the low-friction properties of plastic with the enhanced strength and stiffness provided by carbon fibre reinforcement, thereby simultaneously improving both service life through reduced friction and structural strength
3Reliability
If a one-piece hinge strip with contact edge is used for torsion-proof support, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact edge is formed as an integral part of the second bearing part in a one-piece construction. This merging of the bearing part and the torsion-resistant contact edge eliminates the need for separate assembly steps, making the manufacturing process simpler while ensuring reliable torsion-proof support for the pivoting door
4Adaptability or versatility
If different intermediate pieces are provided for different angular positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the angular position of the intermediate piece adjustable rather than fixed. The intermediate piece can be rotated to different angular positions and secured, allowing the hinge to adapt to various shower enclosure configurations (straight, angled, corner) without requiring multiple pre-configured parts for each possible angle
5Reliability
If the hinge is designed to be splash-proof, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall section of the first bearing part and the collar of the second bearing part are designed to radially overlap, creating an integrated splash-proof barrier. This merging of structural elements serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support and preventing water ingress, thereby achieving splash-proof capability without adding separate protective components
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
The design achieves a long service life, reduced friction, and adaptability to various angular positions, ensuring the hinge is torsion-proof and splash-proof, making it suitable for different shower enclosure configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate piece, which is used in particular for radial and/or axial bearing and/or is exposed to sliding friction against a metal counter-bearing surface, is made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic
Implementation Method 2
Experiments have shown that a significantly better service life and/or reduced friction or reduced abrasion can be achieved in this way
Implementation Method 3
the hinge has an intermediate piece with sliding bearing surfaces that are inclined relative to the hinge axis, so that an axial movement can be superimposed on the pivoting movement
Implementation Method 4
The bearing section of the intermediate piece provided for the radial mounting of the two bearing parts is designed conically on the outside and is inserted into a bearing eye of an associated bearing part designed to complement it. This serves in particular to compensate for manufacturing tolerances
Data Source
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AI summary
The hinge (1) has a support part (4) for fastening the hinge, and another support part (5) for connection with a swing door (2). An intermediate piece is provided with a sliding bearing surface that is bent around a pivot axis. The intermediate piece is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polyamide or polyoxymethylene, and replaceable for different angle positions of an axial movement. The piece is held or fixed as wedging and/or resting on the support parts and/or at a bolt-shaped retaining element. An inner side of a hollow-shaped support section is strengthened by the retaining element.