Hinge Pin With Through-Bore for Wiring Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of doors mounted on hinges in structures, such as refrigerators, complicates the uninterrupted and efficient routing of elements like electrical wiring, as the doors interfere with the passage of these elements between locations.
Innovation Solution
A hinge construction featuring a hinge bracket with tapered openings and a hinge pin that allows for the continuous routing of elements, including electrical wiring, by providing a secure and adaptable mechanism for the passage of elements through the hinge, with a complementary door stop to limit the door's opening extent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If doors are mounted on hinges in structures, then access to interior components is enabled, but the routing of electrical wiring and other elements between locations is complicated and interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pin is designed with a bore that extends through its entire length, creating a nested passage within the hinge assembly. This allows electrical wiring and other elements to be routed through the hinge pin itself, effectively nesting the wiring path within the mechanical hinge structure. The wiring passes through the bore of the hinge pin, which is held within the opening of the hinge bracket, creating a nested configuration that enables uninterrupted routing while maintaining door functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pin acts as an intermediary element between the hinge bracket and the door, providing a mediating structure that facilitates the passage of electrical wiring. The bore in the hinge pin serves as an intermediate pathway, allowing wiring to traverse through the hinge assembly without being blocked by the door or bracket. This intermediary structure resolves the conflict between maintaining hinge functionality and enabling continuous wiring routing
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional hinge constructions are used, then door mounting is simple, but continuous passage of elements like electrical wiring through the hinge is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the hinge bracket with its opening, the hinge pin with its bore, and the door stop. This segmentation allows the hinge pin to be designed with a through-bore specifically for wiring passage, while the bracket provides the mounting function. The segmentation enables each component to be optimized for its specific purpose - the bracket for mounting simplicity and the pin for wiring adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pin serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the rotational axis for the door, provides structural connection between the bracket and door, and creates a passage way for electrical wiring through its bore. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both the traditional door mounting requirement and the modern need for continuous wiring routing through the hinge assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge construction includes a hinge bracket that includes a hinge pin supporting plate and at least one opening extending through the hinge pin supporting plate. Also included in the hinge construction is a hinge pin that is held at the at least one opening. The hinge pin includes a hinge pin outer surface, a hinge pin bore extending through the entire length of the hinge pin and a hinge pin slot extending along the entire length of the hinge pin from the hinge pin outer surface to within the hinge pin bore. The at least one opening can be tapered, and the hinge pin outer surface can include a hinge pin outer surface first portion that also is tapered so as to be congruent with the at least one tapered opening. The hinge construction allows elements such as electrical wiring to be routed through the hinge construction.