Hinge With Closed-Shape Arm And Protrusions For Strength

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional door hinges face a strength enhancement challenge due to the C-shape design of the first arm, which limits the structural integrity when the second arm is inserted, leading to instability under load.

Innovation Solution

The first arm is formed into a closed piece enclosing the opening, with protrusions filling gaps between the second arm and hinge main bodies, allowing stable contact at multiple points and enhancing strength, while the second arm's height is reduced to fit within the opening, ensuring stable load-bearing capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the first arm is formed into a C-shape to allow insertion of the second arm, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the strength of the first arm deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstrength of the first arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The second arm is inserted into the opening of the first arm, with the main body section of the second arm fitting within the confines of the first arm's structure. This nesting arrangement allows compact assembly while maintaining the load-bearing capacity of both arms through proper geometric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The design transitions from a two-dimensional C-shape to a three-dimensional closed piece structure. The first arm encloses the opening in a closed piece configuration, adding structural rigidity in multiple directions while still permitting the second arm to be inserted through the opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If a spacer is fitted in the first arm after inserting the second arm to enhance strength, then the strength of the first arm is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to rattling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of the first armVSAvoidstability of the spacer
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions are integrally formed with the first arm during manufacturing, before assembly. These protrusions extend into the opening to contact the second arm, providing both strength enhancement and stability prevention without requiring separate spacer components that could rattle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusions are merged with the first arm as an integral structure rather than being separate components. This integration eliminates the rattling issue associated with separate spacers while maintaining the strength-enhancing function, as the protrusions are firmly attached to the first arm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the height of the main body section of the second arm is reduced to fit within the opening, then the adaptability is improved, but the load-bearing capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit within openingVSAvoidload-bearing capacity of the second arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The second arm features a main body section with reduced height for fitting within the opening, while other sections maintain full dimensions for load-bearing. This localized dimensional variation allows the arm to fit within the confined space while preserving structural integrity where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge system combines multiple components (first arm, second arm, protrusions) with complementary geometric features that work together to achieve both compact fit and high load-bearing capacity. The composite structure allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall system strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3165699B1hinge
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 SUGATSUNE IND CO LTD
  • EP3165699B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3165699B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3165699B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Provided is a hinge capable of increasing strength. A first arm 3 has an opening 3g and is formed in a closed shape that encloses the opening 3g. A second arm 4 has a main body section 4c inserted into the opening 3g of the first arm 3 and having its height not exceeding the height of the opening 3g in the vertical direction. First and second protrusions 31 and 32 are provided that fill a gap between the main body section 4c of the second arm 4 and a second hinge main body 2, and third and fourth protrusions 33 and 34 are provided that fill a gap between the main body section 4c of the second arm 4 and a first hinge main body 1.