Furniture Hinge Base Structure for Easier 3-Axis Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hinge devices for attaching doors to furniture frames are complex and difficult to machine and manufacture due to their intricate mechanisms, which complicate the adjustment and assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A hinge device with a simplified base structure that incorporates a substrate with integrated movable members and adjusting mechanisms, allowing for independent adjustments in three directions (vertical, front and back, and left and right) using a combination of shaft guiding recesses, fitting sections, and adjusting shafts, facilitating easier machining and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex adjustment mechanism with multiple separate spiral cams and racks is used to achieve three-directional position adjustment, then the position adjustment capability is improved, but the machining and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmachining and manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate spiral cam and rack mechanisms into a single integrated base structure. The base includes a unified recess that houses both the vertical adjustment spiral cam and the lateral adjustment spiral cam, along with their corresponding racks. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies machining and manufacturing while maintaining the three-directional position adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple adjustment functions simultaneously. The single base structure provides both vertical position adjustment (via the first spiral cam and rack) and lateral position adjustment (via the second spiral cam and rack), eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate plate members with integrated adjustment mechanisms are used, then the position adjustment precision is improved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment precisionVSAvoidnumber of parts and assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate plate members into a single integrated base. The base includes both the vertical adjustment mechanism (first spiral cam and rack) and the lateral adjustment mechanism (second spiral cam and rack) within one unified structure, reducing the number of parts from multiple plate members to a single base component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base is designed as a universal component that performs both vertical and lateral position adjustment functions. By integrating multiple adjustment mechanisms into one base structure, the patent maintains precise three-directional position adjustment capability while significantly reducing assembly complexity and the total number of parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution simplifies the machining and manufacturing of hinge devices by reducing the complexity of the base structure and allowing for precise adjustments, making the assembly and operation more straightforward and efficient.

Implementation Method 1

A mechanism for adjusting the position in the front and back direction and configured from a spiral cam and rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpiral cam and rack mechanism: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 2

a mechanism for adjusting the position left and right and configured from a screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 3

projection bodies having an L-shape profile are integrally formed respectively in both edges of the other plate member, and these projection bodies slidably catch on both edges of the one plate member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSliding mechanism: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3070241B1Hinge device and hinge device base
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 SUGATSUNE IND CO LTD
  • EP3070241B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3070241B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3070241B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a hinge device easy to machine and manufacture. A shaft guiding recessed section 10d and a fitting recessed section 10e are formed on a first face 10a of substrate 10 of a hinge device base 2. As a first position adjusting mechanism 30, a substrate side guiding section 32 is provided on a bottom face of the shaft guiding recessed section 10d, and a first adjusting shaft 31 is provided between the substrate 10 and a first movable member 11. A first shaft-side guiding section 31 c of the first adjusting shaft 31 engages with the substrate side guiding section 32 by being accommodated in the shaft guiding recessed section 10d, and a first shaft part 31 a of the first adjusting shaft 31 rotatably engages with the first movable member 11. A fitting section 11d is provided in the first movable member 11, and the fitting section 11d is inserted into the fitting recessed section 10 d so as to be able to slide in a first direction.