Hinge Angular Limiting via Internal Snap-Fit Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge structures lack angular limitation, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing costs, and protruding external structures that compromise the smooth appearance of door panels, while also failing to securely fix the door panel in the open position.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a first fixing bracket with parallel support pieces and a swivel bracket that includes a limiting extension portion and sleeve pieces, allowing for angular limitation without external protrusions, and a snap mechanism to secure the door panel at predetermined angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional angular limitation structure is added to the hinge, then the door panel angle can be restricted, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The angular limitation function is merged into the hinge structure itself through the limiting extension portion that extends from the support piece and engages with the sleeve piece on the door panel, eliminating the need for separate angular limitation components
Solution Approach 2:
The support piece serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the hinge and simultaneously acts as an angular limitation mechanism through its limiting extension portion, achieving multi-functionality with a single component
2Reliability
If an additional angular limitation structure is added to the hinge, then the door panel angle can be restricted, but the appearance of the door panel is compromised due to protruding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The angular limitation mechanism is extracted from the external surface of the door panel and positioned within the hinge structure, with the limiting extension portion and sleeve piece engaging internally without creating protruding external features
Solution Approach 2:
The angular limitation components (limiting extension portion and sleeve piece) are nested within the hinge structure and door panel thickness, allowing the mechanism to function without protruding from the external surfaces
3Reliability
If an additional snap mechanism is added to secure the door panel, then the door panel can be fixed when closed, but the structure complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap mechanism is merged with the hinge structure, where the limiting extension portion and sleeve piece serve both as angular limitation and snap-fit components, eliminating the need for separate fixation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure automatically provides fixation functionality through the snap engagement between the limiting extension portion and sleeve piece, without requiring additional components or complex assembly procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes a first fixing bracket, a shaft and a swivel bracket. The first fixing bracket includes two first support pieces and a first connection piece. The two first support pieces are arranged in parallel to each other, and the first connection piece is connected to the two second support pieces. The two first support pieces are respectively provided with a shaft hole and the shaft holes are arranged coaxially along a central axis. At least one of the first support pieces is provided with one limiting extension portion extending in a direction in parallel to the central axis at an upper front end of the first support piece and extending towards the other first support piece. The shaft is inserted into the shaft hole. The swivel bracket includes a mounting plate; an extension plate extending from a bottom edge of the mounting plate and bent towards a side corresponding to the inner surface of the mounting plate; at least one sleeve piece located between the two first support pieces, extending from an end of the extension plate away from the bottom edge, and bent and wound towards the side corresponding to the inner surface. The sleeve piece is configured to be sleeved over the shaft, such that the swivel bracket can rotate with respect to the first fixing bracket. When the swivel bracket is flipped outwards with respect to the first fixing bracket, the extension plate moves towards the limiting extension portion.