Furniture Hinge Decelerating Device with Axial Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decelerating devices for hinges with complex articulation systems, such as those with seven articulation axes, face challenges in being effectively integrated without occupying excessive space or hindering functionality, as the actuating member cannot directly contact the movable part or door.
Innovation Solution
A linear decelerating device is mounted on the fixed part of the hinge, with a housing body and actuating member configured to be actuated by a connecting lever, using a fluid mechanism like oil or grease, and secured with quick fixing means to minimize space usage and maintain functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a decelerating device is applied to the fixed part of the hinge with an actuating member that contacts the movable part, then the decelerating action is effective, but the device occupies excessive space and cannot be applied to hinges with complex articulation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the actuating member from a lateral contact configuration to an axial contact configuration along the articulation axis. This dimensional change allows the actuating member to contact the connecting lever at its end portion, enabling effective deceleration while minimizing the lateral space occupied by the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The decelerating device is designed with a compact configuration that can be universally applied to different hinge types, including those with complex articulation systems like the seven-axis configuration. The standardized mounting on the fixed part with axial actuation provides a universal solution that works across various hinge designs without requiring excessive space.
2Ease of operation
If a decelerating device is applied to the movable part of the hinge, then the actuating member can be contacted by a connecting lever, but the device becomes an obstacle in the normal use of the piece of furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the decelerating device from the movable part (door side) and relocates it to the fixed part (furniture side). This extraction removes the harmful obstacle from the door, eliminating interference with normal furniture use, while the actuating member maintains proper contact with the connecting lever for effective actuation.
3Force
If spring means are used to draw the hinge in the closing direction, then the closing force is sufficient, but the door forcefully impacts the body causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The decelerating device is positioned to activate during the closing movement before the door reaches the fully closed position. It applies a preliminary decelerating force that reduces the closing speed, preventing the forceful impact and noise that would otherwise occur when the spring means complete the closing action.
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
The solution provides an effective decelerating action without obstructing the door's normal operation and occupies limited space within the furniture, addressing the limitations of previous decelerating devices in complex hinge systems.
Implementation Method 1
these devices can be of a linear type or a rotational type and use a fluid or a grease as the braking means
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~2
AI summary
A hinge (10) for mounting a door on a piece of furniture or the like comprises a hinge arm (11) securable to a fixed part (12) of the piece of furniture, a box (14) securable to a door of the piece of furniture and connected to the hinge arm (11) by an articulation system (15) comprising a plurality of swinging connecting levers and spring means (27) acting in the closing direction of the hinge (10); the hinge (10) further comprises a decelerating device (29) comprising a housing body (30), supported and configured in such a way so as to be disposed at one of the front or side walls (11', 11") of the hinge arm (11), and a linearly movable actuating member (31) actuatable by one (18) of the swinging connecting levers of the articulation system (15) of the hinge.