Hinge Cup Partially Protruding Frame Profile

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in designing hinges for frame profiles that accommodate surface elements like glass panes is the difficulty in connecting the frame profile and the hinge stop part due to limited space and material thickness, leading to complex and costly special hinge shapes.

Innovation Solution

A hinge design where the hinge cup is partially received in a recess of the frame profile and partially protrudes laterally, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly using a traction strap and clamping element, enabling the use of narrower, less expensive frame profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the hinge cup is completely sunk into the frame profile, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the frame profile must be wide and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidframe profile width
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge cup is partially nested into the frame profile recess, with the remaining portion extending outward. This partial nesting approach provides sufficient connection stability while reducing the required frame profile width compared to complete nesting, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and frame width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a two-dimensional planar connection (complete sinking into the profile face) to a three-dimensional partial protrusion connection. By allowing the hinge cup to extend in the lateral dimension beyond the profile face, the connection maintains reliability without requiring increased profile width in the transverse dimension.

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

2Reliability

If complex special shape hinges are used, then reliable attachment to narrow frame profiles is achieved, but production and purchase costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge system is segmented into standardized components: a conventional circular hinge cup, a simple cylindrical recess in the frame profile, and a separate traction strap assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard processes without requiring complex special shapes, reducing production costs while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge cup is designed as a universal standard component that can be produced by conventional methods, replacing the need for custom-molded special shape hinges. This universal component works effectively with the simple recess geometry, enabling reliable attachment to narrow frame profiles through standardized, cost-effective manufacturing.

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

3Length of moving object

If narrow frame profiles are used, then visual appeal and cost are improved, but the hinge cup cannot be fully accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe profile widthVSAvoidhinge cup accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge cup is partially nested into the narrow frame profile recess, with the nesting depth optimized to provide sufficient structural support and connection reliability within the constrained width. The partial nesting approach allows the hinge cup to be adequately accommodated without requiring the full width that would be needed for complete nesting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution compensates for the limited width in the transverse dimension by utilizing the lateral dimension, allowing the hinge cup to extend beyond the profile face. This dimensional transition ensures adequate accommodation and connection reliability even when the frame profile width is reduced for aesthetic and cost reasons.

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

4Ease of operation

If tool-free assembly is implemented, then ease of installation is improved, but assembly mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidassembly mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traction strap assembly functions as a self-service mechanism where the installer directly manipulates the strap to tension and secure the hinge cup in the recess. The system uses the installer's own manual force applied through the strap, eliminating the need for external assembly tools while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through direct mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The traction strap utilizes a flexible belt or film structure that can be tensioned and locked into place to secure the hinge cup. This flexible element provides a simple yet effective tool-free assembly mechanism, allowing the hinge cup to be firmly attached through the friction and tension of the strap without requiring complex locking devices or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2531681B1Arrangement having a profiled frame element and having a hinge for pivotably supporting the profiled frame element
Publication Date: 2015.01.21 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP2531681B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2531681B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2531681B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement having a profiled frame element (4) and having a hinge (5) for pivotably supporting the profiled frame element (4) relative to a furniture body (2), wherein the profiled frame element (4) is used to accommodate a flat element (3), in particular a glass pane, and wherein a stop part (23) of the hinge (5) is connected to the profiled frame element (4), wherein the stop part (23) has a hinge cup (9), which is accommodated only partially in a recess (14) of the profiled frame element (4) and partially protrudes laterally beyond the profiled frame element (4).