Hinge Damping Mechanism for Automatic Self-Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window hinges for air-conditioned or refrigerated rooms lack a simple design with effective damping functionality for automatic self-closing, often requiring complex mechanisms or variable damping that may not suit all applications.
Innovation Solution
A hinge with a damping function featuring a first and second cam-shaped damping set and a damping operator, utilizing a central chamber with a piston and actuating cylinder, and optionally a spring or float, to collect energy during opening and facilitate slow, automatic closure upon force cessation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex damping mechanism is used to achieve automatic self-closing, then the damping function is effective, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the damping mechanism and the self-closing mechanism into a single integrated hinge unit. The damping piston moves within the hinge body, and the spring is housed within the same structure, eliminating the need for separate damping devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective automatic self-closing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the basic hinge rotation function, damping during closing, automatic self-closing via spring force, and energy recovery during opening. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single compact structure, avoiding the need for multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable damping is implemented to suit different applications, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables adaptability through parameter changes in the spring constant and piston surface area rather than through complex control mechanisms. By selecting different spring constants and piston areas, the hinge can be adjusted to suit different door/window weights and sizes, providing versatility without increasing mechanical complexity.
3Productivity
If energy is collected during opening to power closure, then the automatic closing efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is self-sufficient by using the door/window's own weight and movement to compress the spring during opening, which then automatically powers the closing action. The system serves itself by converting the potential energy naturally generated during opening into the kinetic energy needed for closing, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex energy management systems.
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 efficient, automatic self-closing of doors and windows with adjustable closing speed, suitable for various weights and sizes, through a straightforward design that collects energy during opening and utilizes it for controlled return movement.
Implementation Method 1
a damping operator (33) placed in the central space (40) formed between the first and second damping sets (31, 32), said damping operator (33) comprising an actuating cylinder (35) with a medium, closed at one end and surrounded, at least partially, by a first cylindrical mantle (11) of the first cylinder (11) and a second cylindrical mantle (26) of the second cylinder (21), and a piston (36) with a piston rod (37) slidably positioned in the actuating cylinder (35), resting with its free end against the bottom of one of the first cylinder (11) or the second cylinder (21), in which the end of the actuating cylinder (35) is not located
Implementation Method 2
with a spring (138) located between a bottom of the actuating cylinder (35) and the piston (36), forcing a return movement of the piston (36) with the piston rod (37)
Implementation Method 3
In one embodiment the damping operator can have a spring located between a bottom of the actuating cylinder and a piston with pass-through slots or openings enabling a flow of a medium from a space enclosed by a wall of the actuating cylinder and located between the bottom and the piston to a space enclosed by the wall of the actuating cylinder between the piston and a lid of the actuating cylinder, with an opening for the piston rod
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
In a hinge with a damping function comprising a first fastening set (10) with a housing, a second fastening set (20) with a housing, as well as a damping unit (30) situated between the first fastening set (10) and the second fastening set (20), the damping unit (30) comprises a first damping set (31) comprising a first cam (13) non-rotatable in relation to the first fastening set (10) and shaped like a cylinder (11) open at a side of a middle of the hinge (1) and having a facing surface (14) with at least one protrusion (15) directed towards the middle of the hinge (1), a second damping set (32) comprising a second cam (23) non-rotatable in relation to the second fastening set (20) and shaped like a cylinder (21) open at the side of the middle of the hinge (1) and having a facing surface (24) faced towards the facing surface (14) of the first cam (13) and being in contact, at least in one point 27, with the facing surface (14) and comprising at least one skid with an inclined slope to the horizontal, whereas interiors of the first cylinder (11) and the second cylinder (21) form a central chamber in which is situated a damping operator (33) having an actuating cylinder (35), filled with a medium, and a returning piston (36, 136) with at least one pass-through opening and a piston rod (37, 137) slidably positioned in the actuating cylinder (35, 135), whereas the piston rod (37, 137) rests with its free end against a bottom of one of the first cylinder (11) and the second cylinder (21).