Hinge Connecting Member with Arcuate Slot for Compact Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges with buffer units for furniture doors require a large pivotal angle and multiple complex components, leading to a bulky design and difficult assembly, with potential interference between moving parts causing non-smooth operation.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a connecting member with an arcuate slot for reduced pivotal angle and simplified structure, utilizing a buffer, connecting member, and inner resilient plate with only two pivotal connections, and a base with limited angular movement to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional buffer unit with multiple swaying plates and connecting plates is used, then the buffering function is provided, but the hinge becomes bulky and requires large space between connecting frame and fixed seat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (swaying plates and connecting plates) into a single integrated connecting member. This connecting member includes an arcuate slot that combines the functions of multiple plates, eliminating the need for separate swaying plates and reducing the overall space required in the hinge mechanism while maintaining the buffering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the pivot is received within the arcuate slot of the connecting member. The inner resilient plate is positioned within the buffer, and the connecting member is positioned within the base. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall envelope of the hinge while preserving all necessary movement paths and buffering characteristics.
2Reliability
If multiple overlapping connecting plates with lugs are used, then the pivotal connection is achieved, but the assembly becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connecting plates with lugs into a single connecting member with an arcuate slot. This eliminates the need for sequential assembly of multiple plates, reducing assembly steps and time while maintaining the pivotal connection functionality between the buffer and the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of multiple connecting plates (providing pivotal connection) and implements it through a single simplified connecting member. The arcuate slot provides the necessary guidance and connection without requiring multiple separate components, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If four pivotal connections with free moving swaying plates are used, then the connection flexibility is achieved, but the pivotal connections interfere with each other causing non-smooth operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges four separate pivotal connections into a single pivotal connection where the pivot moves within the arcuate slot of the connecting member. This unified connection eliminates interference between multiple pivotal points while maintaining the necessary flexibility through the arcuate geometry of the slot, which guides the pivot's movement path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an arcuate (curved) slot instead of a straight or angular connection path. The curved geometry of the arcuate slot guides the pivot's movement in a smooth arc, eliminating jerky movements and interference that would occur with straight-line or angular connections, thereby ensuring smooth operation while maintaining connection flexibility.
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 reduces the overall size of the hinge, simplifies assembly, and ensures smooth operation by minimizing pivotal angle and interference between components, while maintaining effective buffering to prevent cabinet damage during door closure.
Implementation Method 1
The other end of the inner resilient plate is slideably mounted onto the arcuate slot
Implementation Method 2
the buffer unit provides a buffering effect to reduce the speed the door is being closed
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes a base receiving a coupling device detachably mounted onto a mounting seat. An outer resilient plate includes an end pivotably mounted onto the base. A fixed seat is pivotably mounted onto the other end of the outer resilient plate. A buffer device includes a connecting member, a buffer, and an inner resilient plate. Each of a first pivot hole of the connecting member, an end of the buffer, and an end of the inner resilient plate is pivotably mounted onto the base. The other end of the buffer is pivotably mounted onto a second pivot hole of the connecting member. The other end of the inner resilient plate is slideably mounted onto an arcuate slot of the connecting member. The inner resilient plate further includes a fulcrum pivot hole intermediate the ends thereof. The fulcrum pivot hole is pivotably mounted by a pivot to the base.