Hydraulic Damping Hinge for Controlled Shutter Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges for doors and shutters in cold stores are cumbersome, aesthetically unappealing, poorly functional, and require complex and costly installation, often resulting in damage due to uncontrolled closure and large dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A compact, easy-to-manufacture hinge with a box-shaped body and pin configuration that allows for automatic closure and controlled movement, featuring elastic counteracting means and hydraulic damping for smooth operation, suitable for integration between shutters and stationary support structures, with minimal components and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hydraulic damping means are used to counter closing action, then controlled movement is achieved, but device complexity and overall dimensions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into two functional elements: a first element with elastic counteracting means and a second element with hydraulic damping means. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, achieving controlled movement while maintaining manageable complexity in each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines elastic counteracting means and hydraulic damping means into a single hinge assembly. The elastic element provides the closing force while the hydraulic element provides damping control, merging two functions into one integrated device that reduces overall system complexity compared to separate floor-mounted door closers.
2Ease of operation
If floor-mounted door closers are installed to control shutter movement, then controlled closure is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to ground breaking works
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge transitions from floor-mounted installation (horizontal plane) to wall-mounted or frame-mounted installation (vertical plane). By mounting the hinge on the wall or frame rather than the floor, the patent eliminates the need for ground breaking works and specialized installation personnel, significantly reducing installation complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If closing means action is not countered, then simple hinge structure is maintained, but shutter damage occurs due to strong abutting against support frame
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic damping means is positioned to counter the closing action before the shutter reaches the support frame. This preliminary counter-action controls the closing speed and prevents the shutter from abutting strongly against the frame, eliminating damage while maintaining a relatively simple hinge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic counteracting means stores energy during door opening and releases it during closing to provide a cushioning effect. This beforehand cushioning prevents harsh impacts between the shutter and support frame, protecting against damage while keeping the hinge structure simple.
4Strength
If heavy doors are supported by conventional hinges, then door support capability is achieved, but hinge dimensions and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates hydraulic damping means that use fluid pressure to support and control the door weight. This hydraulic system provides strong support capability for heavy doors while maintaining a compact design, as the hydraulic fluid transmits force efficiently without requiring large structural components.
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 reliable, automatic door closure with controlled movement, supports heavy loads, maintains precise closing positions, and is easy to install, reducing maintenance and installation costs while preventing damage from uncontrolled closure.
Implementation Method 1
elastic counteracting means acting on said movable element to displace the latter between a first end-stroke position, corresponding to the closing element being in the closing position, and a second end-stroke position
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic damping means for hydraulically damping the rotary movement of the closing element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A hinge for the rotatable movement of a closing element (D), such as a door, a window, a shutter or the like. The closing element is anchorable to a stationary support structure (S), such as a wall, a floor, a frame or the like. The hinge comprises a fixed element (10) anchorable to the stationary support structure and a mobile element (20) anchorable to the closing element. The fixed (10) and movable (20) elements are mutually coupled so that the latter (20) rotates with respect to the former (10) around a first longitudinal axis (X) between an open position and a closed position. One of the fixed (20) and movable (10) element includes a working chamber (11) defining a second longitudinal axis (Y) which includes at least one plunger element (30) slidable along the second axis (Y). The plunger element (30) is operatively coupled with the other of the fixed (10) and movable (20) elements so that the sliding of the former (30) corresponds to the rotation of the movable element (20).