Hinge Tab Anchoring in Hollow Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge systems face challenges in securely attaching the hinge tab to a hollow profile, particularly under high loads and in assemblies with limited space, due to increased assembly effort and potential misalignment, as well as the need for additional fastening means like self-drilling screws which may not be feasible in all configurations.

Innovation Solution

A system where the hinge tab is securely attached to two angled profile walls of the hollow profile, utilizing a hook-shaped projection that engages behind the inner surface of one wall and is fixed using fastening means, allowing for permanent and stable mounting even under high loads, with the projection's design accommodating manufacturing tolerances and providing play-free seating without excessive assembly forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional self-drilling fastening screws are used to prevent partial lifting of the fastening leg, then the hinge tab becomes more secure, but the assembly effort increases and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge tab securityVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening function is divided into two independent parts: the projection handles positioning and preventing partial lifting by engaging behind the profile wall, while the fastening means (screws) only secure the hinge tab in its final position. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple fastening screws and simplifies assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The projection is pre-formed on the hinge tab and automatically engages behind the profile wall during assembly, performing the preliminary fastening action before the final screw fixation. This preliminary engagement prevents misalignment and partial lifting without requiring additional manual intervention or complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If additional self-drilling fastening screws are used to secure the hinge tab, then the hinge tab becomes more secure, but the number of fastening elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge tab securityVSAvoidnumber of fastening elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening function is divided into two independent parts: the projection handles positioning and preventing partial lifting by engaging behind the profile wall, while the fastening means (screws) only secure the hinge tab in its final position. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple fastening screws and simplifies assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the hinge tab is attached to a single profile wall, then the assembly is simpler, but the hinge tab becomes susceptible to misalignment under high loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidresistance to misalignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment is extended from a single-plane connection to a three-dimensional engagement where the projection passes through the profile wall and engages behind it, creating anchoring in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows the hinge tab to resist misalignment forces from various directions while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If clamping fixation is used to fix the fastening leg, then the assembly effort is reduced, but the fixation is not suitable for high loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly effortVSAvoidload resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The projection is pre-formed on the hinge tab and automatically engages behind the profile wall during assembly, performing the preliminary fastening action before the final screw fixation. This preliminary engagement prevents misalignment and partial lifting without requiring additional manual intervention or complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2617921B1System comprising a hollow profile and a fixing flap of a hinge
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 HAHN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2617921B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2617921B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2617921B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A system comprising: - a hollow profile (1) with first and second profile walls (29, 30) arranged at an angle (ϕ) to each other and with first and second contact surfaces (31, 32), - a band flap (9) of a band (6) which has first and second counter-contact surfaces (33, 34) directly or indirectly abutting the contact surfaces (31, 32), wherein at least one projection (37, 37') extends from the first counter-contact surface (33) and engages in the interior of the hollow profile (1) through a perforation (38) provided in the first profile wall (29) and engages behind the inner surface (39) of the at least one first profile wall (29) opposite the first contact surface (31), - and fastening means (44) by means of which the second counter-contact surface (34) can be fixed with respect to the second contact surface (32).