Hinge Device With Integrated Locking Element For Angle Limiting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door hinges fail to effectively limit the opening range of doors, leading to potential damage from excessive swinging, which can cause jamming, tension, or release of the hinge from the door, particularly in applications like glass doors where this issue is more pronounced.

Innovation Solution

An opening-limiting hinge device with a blocking element integrated into one of the hinge bodies that interacts with a stopper element to restrict the angular range of rotation, preventing the door from opening beyond a predetermined angle, thereby preventing damage and eliminating the need for external angle-limiting devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If no opening limitation is provided, then the door can open freely to any angle, but the door may swing too far causing damage to surrounding fixtures, the door itself, or the hinge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening freedomVSAvoiddamage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A locking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second hinge bodies. This locking element interacts with both hinge bodies to limit the angular range of rotation, preventing the door from opening beyond a predetermined angle while still allowing free movement within the safe range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking element is added to limit opening angle, then damage is prevented, but the hinge device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage preventionVSAvoidhinge structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is integrated into the hinge device structure, merging the angle-limiting function with the existing hinge components. The locking element can be detachably connected to or formed as an integral part of one of the hinge bodies, combining multiple functions into a unified structure rather than adding separate external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element serves multiple functions: it limits the opening angle, interacts with both hinge bodies, and can be designed to allow easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functional component addresses several requirements simultaneously, reducing the need for additional specialized parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If external angle-limiting devices are used, then opening angle can be limited, but additional components and assembly complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening angle controlVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The angle-limiting function is merged directly into the hinge device by integrating the locking element with the hinge bodies. This eliminates the need for separate external angle-limiting devices, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable opening angle control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3330465B1Hinge device with limited opening
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 ISARIA CORP DESIGN
  • EP3330465B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3330465B1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP3330465B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~3C

AI summary

Opening-limiting hinge device (300) comprising a first hinge body (310), a second hinge body (320) rotatably connected to the first hinge body (310) and a locking element (330) arranged on the first hinge body (310) or the second hinge body (320) and suitable for limiting an angular range of a rotation about an axis of rotation between the first hinge body (310) and the second hinge body (320) to a predetermined value by interaction with the second hinge body (310) or the first hinge body (320).