Hinge Device With Integrated Rack And Pinion Panel Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door hinges for appliances and furniture are complex, expensive, and prone to wear due to their bulky design and non-linear panel motion, which can cause interference and irregularities during door opening and closing.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device with a door coating panel translation mechanism using a toothed wheel and rack system, where the toothed wheel is interconnected with intermediate gears to provide a proportional and regular motion, allowing for adjustable panel excursion and direction through simple modifications of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If joints and guides are provided to give translational movement to the coating panel, then the panel can move away from interference with sockets, but the device becomes complex, expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge mechanism with the panel translation function by integrating the rack directly into the coating panel and the toothed wheel into the hinge body. This combination eliminates the need for separate joints and guides, achieving panel translation while reducing device complexity and bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge device performs multiple functions: it provides the primary rotational hinge function while simultaneously generating panel translation through the integrated toothed wheel and rack mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate translation mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If pins and linear guides are used to provide panel translation, then the panel can avoid interference with sockets, but these components are highly stressed and subject to early wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of pins and linear guides with a toothed wheel and rack mechanism. This substitution distributes the load through gear teeth engagement rather than concentrated contact at pins and guides, reducing stress and wear on individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation mechanism is segmented into discrete gear teeth that engage sequentially, distributing the translational force across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it on single pins or guides. This segmentation reduces wear on each individual tooth.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding attachment with levers is used for panel translation, then the panel can move to avoid interference, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge rotation mechanism with the panel translation function by integrating the rack directly into the coating panel and the toothed wheel into the hinge body. This combination eliminates the need for separate joints and guides, achieving panel translation while reducing device complexity and bulk.
4Ease of operation
If the panel translation mechanism is added to avoid interference, then the coating panel can clear sockets, but the transverse dimensions of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the rack mechanism within the coating panel structure and the toothed wheel within the hinge body, allowing the translation function to be embedded within existing components rather than adding external bulk. The rack is integrated into the panel's cross-member structure.
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 device ensures a sufficient and regular panel excursion, reducing wear and stress on components, making it simpler, less expensive, and more durable, while maintaining a compact design suitable for various assembly types.
Implementation Method 1
a toothed wheel means (20) made, i.e. by punching or cutting a sheet or by casting or removing from solid, in single body with the second connecting member (5)... The toothed wheel means (20) is cinematically interconnected to a rack means (22)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A hinge device for a door of appliances and furniture in general, provides the translation of a panel (3) of door coating. Said device is provided with first (4) and second (5) connection members mutually pivoted by means of a pivot pin (6) and assigned to be fixed respectively to the door and to a structure or frame of the appliance or furniture for the rotation of the door and the panel between the extreme closing (C) and opening (A). Said device (1) comprises a toothed wheel means (20) fixed to the second connecting member (5) and it comprises a rack means (22) constrained to slide along the first connecting member (4) in a sliding direction (D) perpendicular to the axis of the pivot pin (6) and parallel to the geometric plane of the panel (3) to which is fixable via a respective attachment (23) where the toothed wheel means (20) is cinematically interconnected to the rack means (22 ). The rotation of the door and the second connecting member (5) with respect to the first connecting member (4) between the extreme closing (C) and opening (A) conditions causes the rotation of the toothed wheel means (20) and the consequent translation of the rack means (22) and of the panel (3).