Door Hinge Provisional Pin Retention for Single-Operator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for doors and windows with aluminum frames require two people to assemble due to the need to align and position both the hinge-pin and washer simultaneously, making it difficult for a single operator to correctly set up the hinge elements.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design where the washer is configured to provisionally hold the pin within the articulation seat of the fixed hinge element, allowing the mobile hinge element to be aligned independently, and then the pin is axially pushed to complete the assembly, eliminating the need for simultaneous alignment of the washer and pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the washer and hinge-pin are positioned simultaneously during assembly, then the hinge elements can be connected, but two operators are required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is designed with protrusions that engage with recesses in the articulation seat before the hinge-pin is inserted. This preliminary positioning of the washer eliminates the need for simultaneous coordination of multiple components, allowing a single operator to assemble the hinge efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If the washer is designed to provisionally hold the pin, then single-operator assembly is enabled, but the washer structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is segmented with multiple protrusions distributed around its perimeter, each capable of engaging with corresponding recesses in the articulation seat. This segmentation allows the washer to provide stable provisional holding through simple geometric interlocking rather than complex mechanical features.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
A hinge for doors or windows, comprising a hinge-pin (26) defining an axis of articulation (28), a first hinge element and a second hinge element (22, 24) articulated to one another about said axis (28) via said pin (26), in which the first hinge element and the second hinge element (22, 24) have respective articulation seats (44, 62) for coupling with said pin (26) and respective front surfaces facing one another (42, 58), in which a washer (30) is set between said front facing surfaces (44, 58), and in which said pin (26) has an annular groove (68) on its external surface for engagement by a fixing screw (72) carried by the second hinge element. The washer (30) comprises at least one extension (82, 84), which extends within the articulation seat (44) of the first hinge element (22) parallel to said axis of articulation (28), said extension (82, 84) having at least one tooth (88) configured for engaging elastically said annular groove (68) of the pin (26) so as to withhold the pin (26) provisionally within said articulation seat (44) in the direction of the axis of articulation (28).