Hinge Assembly Linkage Damping Re-bounce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wide angle hinges suffer from re-bounce during high-speed closure, stress on the hinge arrangement, potential for finger entrapment, and debris ingress, which affects their robustness and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a link assembly comprising at least seven hinge axes, featuring two levers directly pivotally mounted to the first fitment portion, with a damping device pivotally mounted between these levers, and a damper support unit that shields the damping device and minimizes debris ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the damper is positioned on a lever connected to the hinge cup, then the damping function is achieved, but re-bounce occurs during high-speed closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate lever (third lever) between the hinge cup and the damper. This intermediary lever allows the damper to be positioned on a lever that is not directly connected to the hinge cup, thereby preventing the damper from bouncing off during high-speed closure while maintaining the damping function. The intermediate lever acts as a mediator that decouples the direct connection between the hinge cup and damper, eliminating the re-bounce phenomenon.
2Volume of moving object
If the hinge assembly is made compact, then space is saved, but the damping device is exposed to debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the damper housing within the linkage assembly structure, nesting it among the levers. Specifically, the damper housing is arranged to be substantially contained within the space defined by the linkage assembly when the door is in the closed position. This nesting approach protects the damping device from debris ingress while maintaining a compact overall hinge assembly size, as the damper utilizes the existing structural space rather than adding external volume.
3Ease of operation
If the damper is exposed, then access is easier, but debris can contact the damping device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable shield that can transition between open and closed positions. The shield is configured to move between blocking access to the damping device and allowing access thereto. This dynamic configuration enables the shield to protect the damping device from debris during normal operation while allowing easy access for maintenance and service when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
4Reliability
If the hinge assembly is made robust, then working life is extended, but finger entrapment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of the gap closing (which could trap fingers) into a beneficial safety feature. The shield is configured to close the gap between levers during operation, and while this eliminates the pinch point hazard, the shield itself is designed to be movable and removable, allowing safe access when needed. The robust linkage assembly that creates the gap is thus transformed into a system where the gap is safely managed by the movable shield, converting the harmful pinch point into a controllable safety mechanism.
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 effectively reduces re-bounce during high-energy closures, enhances the durability of the hinge assembly, prevents finger entrapment, and protects the damping device from debris, thereby extending its operational life.
Implementation Method 1
a damping device pivotally mounted between the said two levers
Implementation Method 2
the hinge assembly does not significantly suffer from the re-bounce effect
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly including a first fitment portion, a second fitment portion, and a link assembly including at least seven hinge axes. The linkage assembly includes two levers directly pivotally mounted to the first fitment portion. The hinge assembly further includes a damping device pivotally mounted between the said two levers.