Integrated Hinge with Resilient Actuation for Automatic Door Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door hinges do not efficiently function as both pivot points and door opening/closing mechanisms without requiring additional mechanical or hydraulic devices, and they often need frequent adjustments due to temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design that incorporates a transmission member and pin system with pre-loaded resilient means, allowing for automatic partial opening and closing of doors, and adjustable springs to handle temperature changes, enabling the hinge to act as both a door opener and closer without additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hinge is used as a simple pivot, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot perform door opening or closing functions without additional mechanical or hydraulic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hinge pivot function with door closing and opening functions into a single integrated mechanism. The resilient means (springs) are incorporated directly into the hinge body, allowing the hinge to simultaneously serve as both a pivot point and an active door control device, eliminating the need for separate mechanical or hydraulic door operators
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a pivot for rotation, incorporates resilient means for automatic door closing, and can be configured with lock means for securing the door. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional mechanical or hydraulic devices are added to enable door opening/closing, then the door control function is achieved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates door control functionality directly into the hinge structure through resilient means and transmission members, eliminating the need for separate mechanical or hydraulic door operators. This consolidation reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining full door control capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a door hinge is designed to act as door opener or closer, then the additional function is achieved, but it requires frequent adjustment due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resilient means (springs) that are inherently resistant to temperature variations, and the design allows for pre-loading these springs to predetermined extents to compensate for environmental changes. The transmission member and pin system are designed to maintain consistent engagement across temperature ranges, reducing the need for frequent adjustments
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 provides efficient automatic courtesy opening and closing functions, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and additional devices, maintaining performance across temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
resilient means adapted to cause a rotation of the transmission member, the pin and the door from a first angular position to a second angular position
Data Source
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AI summary
The hinge (1) comprises a body (5) in which there is rotatably supported a pin (6) intended to be fixed to a door or wing (A) and to which there is fixed a preferably disc-shaped transmission member (8), resilient actuating members (11a, 11b) connected between a first eccentric anchor- ing point (10) on the transmission member (8) and reaction members (12a, 12b) connected to the body (5) and adapted to cause a rotation of the transmission member (8) and the pin (6) from the first angular position to a second angular position, and resilient braking members (14) connected between a second eccentric anchoring point (10) on the transmission member (8) and further reaction members (15) connected to said body (5), and adapted to slow down the rotation of the transmission member (8) and the pin (6). The arrangement is such that in use the transmission member (8) and the pin (6) are capable of being manually brought, by a user, through the door or wing (A), into the first angular position and capable of returning, together with the door or wing (A), to the second angular position under the combined action of the resilient actuating means (11a, 11b) and the resilient braking means (14).