Hinge Cap with Rod-Trapping Channel for Wheel Security

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge and cap assemblies for doors with wheels on tracks do not securely attach the wheel to the hinge, leading to potential loss or misplacement of the cap during servicing.

Innovation Solution

A cap assembly with a body featuring a channel to securely trap a rod between the cap and the hinge, using a pivoting connection and attaching structures to ensure the wheel is securely attached and easily removable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cap is used to capture the shaft or rod to which the wheel is mounted, then the wheel can be attached to the hinge, but the cap does not hold the shaft or rod securely and may allow the cap to pull away from the hinge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of wheel to hingeVSAvoidholding strength of cap

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion with a channel for securing the rod, a first attaching portion for connection to the hinge, and a second attaching portion for additional anchoring. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, with the channel providing secure rod retention and the attaching portions ensuring strong hinge connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rod is nested within the channel of the cap body, with the channel configured to trap and retain the rod securely. This nesting arrangement ensures the rod remains firmly held within the cap structure, preventing pull-away while maintaining a compact integrated assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of repair

If the cap is removed from the hinge to remove the wheel from the door, then the wheel can be serviced, but the cap may be dropped or lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel removal from doorVSAvoidloss of cap

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is merged with the hinge through the first attaching portion that connects the cap to the hinge at a first location. This permanent attachment ensures the cap remains with the hinge assembly during wheel servicing operations, eliminating the risk of cap loss while maintaining ease of wheel removal through the second attaching portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the cap is connected to the hinge at only one location, then the structure is simpler, but the cap may pull away from the hinge under load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of attaching locationsVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attaching structure is segmented into a first attaching portion and a second attaching portion, with the channel located between them. This segmentation provides multiple attachment points that distribute mechanical loads across different locations, enhancing overall attachment security and preventing cap pull-away while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11060335B2Rod securing hinge and method

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 OVERHEAD DOOR CORP

AI summary

A cap for mounting on a hinge is described. The cap includes: a body defining a first attaching portion for attaching the body to a hinge at a first location; a second attaching portion defined by the body for attaching the body to the hinge at a second location; and a channel defined by the body wherein the body is configured to secure a rod to the hinge by trapping the rod in the channel between the body and the hinge and the channel is located between the first and second attaching portions.