Hinge Assembly with Friction Connector for Tool-Free Sash Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional top-hung window fitting assemblies are difficult to attach and remove from a building frame without specialist tools, as they require complex procedures and tools for disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a top bracket assembly and support arm assembly, featuring a releasable connection between the frame and sash brackets, and a friction connector with a friction ring and cone that restricts pivoting, allowing easy mounting and removal without tools, and maintaining the window in a desired open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fitting assemblies are used to attach sash to frame, then the window can be securely mounted, but it requires specialist tools and complex procedures for attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into separate modular components: a frame bracket, a sash bracket, and a support arm that can be independently attached and detached. The frame bracket attaches to the window frame, the sash bracket attaches to the sash, and these components are connected through the support arm with friction connector, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex procedures or specialist tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm with friction connector acts as an intermediary mechanism between the frame bracket and sash bracket. The friction connector provides a releasable connection that allows the support arm to be easily attached and detached from the frame bracket while maintaining secure connection during operation, simplifying the overall attachment procedure.
2Ease of operation
If the support arm is made pivotable for easy adjustment, then the window can be easily opened and closed, but the support arm may drift from its desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical pivot connection is replaced with a friction-based connection system. The friction connector uses friction between a friction cone and friction ring to provide both pivotability and position stability. The friction force maintains the support arm in its desired position while still allowing controlled pivoting when sufficient force is applied, eliminating the need for complex mechanical locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction connector allows dynamic adjustment of the pivot restriction parameter. By changing the friction force parameter through the friction cone and friction ring interface, the system can transition between a locked state (when sufficient force is not applied) and a pivotable state (when sufficient force is applied), providing both stability and ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the friction connector uses high friction to maintain position, then the support arm remains stable, but it becomes difficult to pivot for opening or closing the window
Solution Approach 1:
The friction connector provides a dynamic connection that adapts to operational requirements. During normal operation, the friction force maintains the support arm in its desired position. When sufficient force is applied during window opening or closing, the friction is overcome and the support arm pivots freely. This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide both stability and ease of operation as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction connector automatically adjusts its own friction force based on the applied load. During normal operation, the friction force self-adjusts to maintain position stability. During pivoting operations, the friction force automatically decreases to allow movement. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems while providing both stability and ease of operation.
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 easy mounting and removal of the sash from the window frame without specialist tools, while maintaining the window in a desired open configuration through adjustable friction, improving operational efficiency and reducing operator burden.
Implementation Method 1
Friction is generated between the surface of the friction cone and the first friction surface, which restricts rotation between the friction cone and the friction ring, thereby restricting the pivoting of the support arm.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hinge assembly for mounting a sash in a window frame in a top hung arrangement comprises a top bracket assembly and a support arm assembly. The top bracket assembly comprises a frame bracket (100) for attaching to a frame and a sash bracket (200) for attaching to a sash. The sash bracket (200) is releasably connectable to the frame bracket (100). The support arm assembly comprises a frame mounting part (300) for attaching to the frame and a sash mounting part (400) for attaching to the sash. The sash mounting part (400) comprising a pivotable support arm (402) and a friction connector (420). The pivotable support arm (402) is configured to be releasably connected to the frame mounting part (300). The pivoting of the support arm (402) is restricted by the friction connector (420).