Hinge Dampener Positioning for Standard Hole Retrofit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinges that require a specialized 'mouse ear' profiled hole in the panel for installation are not easily retrofittable with soft close dampened hinges, as these hinges are typically secured with standard holes, making it difficult to replace non-dampened hinges without modifying the panel.

Innovation Solution

A hinge design that includes a first and second leaf assembly, a spring for biasing the assemblies from an open to a closed position, and a dampener with a longitudinal axis located between the hinge axis and the panel, allowing for installation on panels with standard holes without the need for specialized holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hinge uses a specialized 'mouse ear' profiled hole for dampener installation, then soft close functionality is achieved, but retrofittability to existing panels is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoft close functionalityVSAvoidretrofittability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dampener is repositioned from a location requiring a specialized hole in the panel edge to a location between the hinge axis and panel, where it can be mounted using the existing standard mounting holes. This spatial reconfiguration allows the dampener to be installed in a different dimension relative to the panel, eliminating the need for specialized holes while maintaining soft close functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The dampener housing acts as an intermediary component that bridges the existing standard mounting holes and the dampener mechanism. By providing a housing with mounting features that interface with standard holes, the system allows retrofittability without requiring direct connection between the dampener and panel through specialized holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a hinge requires specialized 'mouse ear' holes in panel edges, then dampening is effective, but installation complexity and panel modification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedampening effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge system is designed to use universal standard mounting holes for both the leaf assembly and dampener installation. The dampener housing incorporates mounting features that interface with these standard holes, allowing the same hole pattern to serve multiple functions (panel mounting and dampener mounting), thereby simplifying installation and eliminating specialized hole requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-dampened hinges are installed with standard holes, then retrofittability is maintained, but vibrational forces and mechanical wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveretrofittabilityVSAvoidvibrational forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge system is segmented into modular components: the leaf assembly with standard mounting and the separate dampener with its own housing and mounting features. This segmentation allows the dampener to be independently installed using existing standard holes, enabling retrofittability while adding vibration reduction capabilities to previously non-dampened installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the retrofittable installation of soft close functionality on existing panels with standard holes, extending the life of the hinge by reducing vibrational forces and mechanical wear, while avoiding the need for panel modification.

Implementation Method 1

a spring coupled to the first and second leaf assemblies to bias the first and second leaf assemblies to move from an open position to a closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a dampener having a longitudinal axis, to slow movement of the first and second leaf assemblies to the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDampener: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12241302B2Hinge

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 POLARIS IP PTY LTD

AI summary

Provided is a hinge that includes a first leaf assembly including a first front leaf component coupled to a first rear leaf component for accommodating therebetween a portion of a panel having a first pair of holes. A first pair of fasteners may extend between the first front and rear leaf components and through the pair of holes in the panel to clamp the portion of the panel to the first leaf assembly. A second leaf assembly, hingedly coupled to the first leaf assembly about a hinge axis, may include a second front leaf component coupled to a second rear leaf component for accommodating therebetween a portion of a second panel having a second pair of holes. A second pair of fasteners may extend between the second front and rear leaf components and through the pair of holes in the second panel to clamp the portion of the second panel to the second leaf assembly. A spring may be coupled to the first and second leaf assemblies to bias the first and second leaf assemblies to move from an open position to a closed position. A dampener having a longitudinal axis may slow movement of the first and second leaf assemblies to the closed position, wherein the longitudinal axis of the dampener is located between the hinge axis and the first panel.