Hinge Device with Plunger Damping for Compact Rotation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for rotatable movements, such as doors or shutters, are bulky and lack efficient control mechanisms to dampen or promote movement, particularly for specific sections of rotation.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device with mechanical and hydraulic elements that control the movement of a closing element by using a plunger system and actuation mechanisms to allow free rotation for a section of the stroke and controlled rotation for another, utilizing coupling means and anti-rotation elements to manage the movement effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical hinges are used to control door movement, then movement control and damping functions are achieved, but the overall dimensions of the hinge become large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (plunger, actuator, damping mechanism, coupling means) into a single integrated hinge device. The fixed element and movable element are coupled together to form a compact assembly that provides both movement control and damping functions without requiring separate components, thereby reducing overall hinge dimensions while maintaining control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the plunger is received within the movable element, the actuator is positioned within the fixed element, and the coupling means connects these nested components. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the overall hinge dimensions while preserving all control functions.
2Reliability
If hydraulic elements are added to control movement sections, then damping and promotion of rotation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides damping during door closing, promotes rotation during door opening, and enables controlled movement in different sections of the rotation stroke. By making the hydraulic element multi-functional, the patent achieves superior movement control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable element that can change its position and coupling state dynamically during door operation. The plunger can move between different positions within the movable element, and the coupling means can engage or disengage based on the door's rotation angle, allowing the hinge to adapt its control characteristics dynamically without requiring multiple fixed mechanical linkages.
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 hinge device achieves compact dimensions while effectively controlling and damping the rotation of the closing element, ensuring smooth operation and automatic closure with reduced overall size.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic element (50) for dampening the rotation of the closing element
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge device for the rotatable movement of a closing element, such as a door, a window, a shutter or the like, between a closing position and an opening position, includes a fixed element anchorable to a stationary support structure; a movable element anchorable to the closing element so that the movable element rotates around a first longitudinal axis between a first opening position and a second closing position; a plunger that is operatively coupled to the movable element by a coupling system configured so that along a first section of the sliding of a connecting shaft, the plunger does not slide, thereby allowing a free rotation of the movable element, and along a second section of the sliding of the connecting shaft, the plunger slides integrally joined with the connecting shaft, thereby controlling the rotation of the movable element.