Hinge-Integrated Door Closer with Angle-Activated Elastic Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door closing devices force the door to close automatically regardless of its angular position, making it difficult for users to keep the door open without additional locking means, and requiring external installation which increases cost and installation time.
Innovation Solution
A device integrated with a hinge that allows the door to be kept in the open position without external locking means, featuring a translating element and elastic means that only activate automatic closing after a predefined angle, regulating the closing speed and preventing sudden contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a door closer device forces the door to close automatically regardless of angular position, then the door closing function is achieved, but the user cannot keep the door open without additional locking means
Solution Approach 1:
The door closer is designed with dynamic characteristics that change based on door position. The device remains inactive during most of the opening range, allowing the door to be held open freely, then activates automatically when the door approaches the closed position, providing conditional automation rather than continuous forcing
Solution Approach 2:
The activation threshold of the door closer is defined by a predefined angle parameter. The device monitors the angular position of the door and changes its operational state based on this parameter, remaining inactive when the door is open beyond the threshold and activating when the door approaches the threshold angle, thus allowing flexible door positioning while maintaining automatic closing capability
2Ease of operation
If external locking means are added to keep the door open, then the door can be held open, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door holding function is merged into the door closer device itself. The same mechanism that provides automatic closing also enables the door to be held open at desired positions by simply adjusting the predefined activation angle, eliminating the need for separate external locking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The door closer device serves multiple functions independently. It can hold the door open at any position by adjusting its activation threshold, and automatically close when the threshold is reached, all without requiring external locking means. The device self-regulates door position based on the predefined angle parameter
3Speed
If the door closes automatically from any angular position, then closing speed is fast, but sudden contact with the jamb occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The door closing process is divided into distinct phases: a first phase where the door moves freely or at controlled speed, and a second phase where automatic closing activates near the end. This periodic action allows the door to approach the closed position at moderate speed, then completes closure automatically, avoiding sudden impact while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The door closer is designed to activate the automatic closing function only in the final angular section before the door reaches the jamb. This beforehand activation allows the door to decelerate naturally or through controlled mechanism engagement, cushioning the final contact and preventing sudden impact while still achieving rapid closure
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 door to be automatically opened or closed only after a predefined angle, allowing the door to be kept open without external locking, reducing installation costs and time, and ensuring a smooth, controlled closing process.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means interposed between a first element associated with the translating element and a second element associated with the body of the hinge; the elastic means are configured to be loaded during the opening rotation of the door associated with the hinge and to always return on the translating element the mechanical energy accumulated in said opening phase
Data Source
AI summary
Device for the closing and/or opening of a leaf, to be applied to a concealed hinge comprising two bodies articulated to each other through at least a pair of articulation arms and connectable respectively to a leaf and to a fixed structure, the device being intended to be associated with one of the two bodies of the hinge, the device including:a translating element engageable to/with an articulation arm of the hinge,at least one mobile group configured to cooperate with the translating element and which is mobile with respect to an element/structure which can be mechanically fixed to the hinge body to which the device is to be associated;elastic means acting on the mobile group to cause the movement of the mobile group and the translating element;the translating element, the at least one mobile group and the elastic means are configured and reciprocally arranged.