Hinge With Integrated Limiting Bar For Flat Panel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge structures lack an efficient angular limitation mechanism, leading to protrusions on the case and holes in the door panel, which complicates assembly and manufacturing while allowing the door panel to shake when flipped outward.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a seat, shaft, swivel bracket, and limiting bar, where the swivel bracket is fixed to the shaft and rotates with respect to the seat, and the limiting bar restricts the swivel bracket's angle of rotation, maintaining a flat door panel surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional angular limitation structure is added to restrict the door panel flip angle, then the angular limitation function is improved, but the structure becomes protruding on the case and requires through holes in the door panel, complicating assembly and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The angular limitation function is merged with the hinge structure itself. The limiting bar is integrated into the seat, and the extension portions are integrated into the swivel bracket, eliminating the need for separate angular limitation components and maintaining a clean appearance without protrusions or door panel modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting bar is positioned within the accommodation area of the seat, and the extension portions are nested within the rotational path defined by the seat structure. This nesting approach allows the angular limitation mechanism to be contained within the existing hinge footprint without adding external protrusions
2Reliability
If an additional snap mechanism is added to combine the door panel with the case when closed, then the closing sealing function is improved, but the door panel is not fixed in the rotational direction when flipped outward, allowing it to shake
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure performs multiple functions: the snap mechanism provides closing sealing when the door is closed, while the limiting bar and extension portions simultaneously provide rotational direction fixation when the door is opened. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure dynamically adapts its behavior based on the door position. When closed, the snap mechanism engages to provide sealing. When opened, the extension portions interact with the limiting bar to constrain rotational movement, preventing shaking. The structure transitions between different functional states depending on the operational phase
3Reliability
If the angular limitation structure is added to the hinge, then the angular restriction is improved, but the volume and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into functional modules: the seat with accommodation area and limiting bar, and the swivel bracket with extension portions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a compact overall volume, as each segment contributes only the necessary elements for its role
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes a seat, a shaft, a swivel bracket and at least one limiting bar. The seat includes two support portions. An accommodation area is defined between the two support portions. The two support portions are respectively provided with a shaft hole. The two shaft holes are arranged coaxially and connected to the accommodation area. The shaft includes a coupling section and two pivoting sections. The coupling section is located between the two pivoting sections. The two pivoting sections are respectively provided in one of the two shaft holes in a rotatable manner, and the coupling section is in the accommodation area. The swivel bracket includes a mounting plate, a sleeve piece and at least one extension portion. The mounting plate includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a bottom edge. The sleeve piece extends from the bottom edge of the mounting plate and is wound at a side corresponding to the inner surface. The sleeve piece is configured to be sleeved over and fixed to the coupling section, such that swivel bracket is fixed to the shaft and rotatable with respect to the seat to move the inner surface to face the accommodation area. The extension portion is adjacent to lateral edges of the sleeve piece and extends from the bottom edge and is bent towards the side corresponding to the inner surface. The limiting bar is disposed on one of the two support portions and is in the accommodation area. The limiting bar is in a rotational path of the extension portion. When the swivel bracket is flipped outward with respect to the seat, the extension portion moves towards the limiting bar.