Inclined-Axis Hinge for Linear Cover Opening Without Sagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for cover elements, such as windows or doors, require multiple steps and positions that project into the interior space, causing obstruction and sagging due to gravity when opened.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a hinge axis aligned at a slight angle allows for a cover element to move linearly between closed and open positions without tilting, preventing sagging and enabling parallel movement, using a synchronization device for synchronized movement of multiple hinges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover element is moved into an open position using traditional hinge mechanisms, then the cover element can be opened, but it sags due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge axis is oriented at an angle relative to the vertical direction, introducing a vertical component to the rotation axis. This angular orientation of the hinge axis creates a lifting effect that counteracts gravitational sagging during the opening movement, allowing the cover element to move smoothly without dropping or sagging.
2Ease of operation
If the cover element is moved using traditional multi-step hinge mechanisms, then the cover element can be opened, but it requires multiple steps and positions causing obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediate tilted position from the traditional three-step opening sequence. By using a hinge axis oriented at an angle, the cover element moves directly from the closed position to the fully open position in a single continuous motion, removing the unnecessary intermediate step that caused obstruction and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular orientation of the hinge axis enables a direct linear movement path from closed to open position, eliminating the need for transverse tilting and subsequent parallel positioning steps. This dimensional change in the hinge axis orientation simplifies the movement sequence to a single intuitive linear motion.
3Ease of operation
If the cover element is moved into tilted and parallel positions, then the cover element can be opened, but it projects into the interior space causing obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the tilted intermediate position from the opening sequence, eliminating the phase where the cover element projects into the interior space. The cover element moves directly from closed to open position without the transverse tilting that causes projection, thereby eliminating the obstruction problem.
Solution Approach 2:
By orienting the hinge axis at an angle rather than perpendicular to the opening plane, the movement occurs in a different dimensional path that avoids projection into the interior space. The angular hinge axis configuration allows the cover element to move parallel to itself without creating obstructing projections.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge for movably supporting at least one cover element on a stationary structure includes a first fitting portion to be arranged on the stationary structure, the first fitting portion having a bearing surface configured to bear against the stationary structure, and a second fitting portion configured to be arranged on the cover element. The hinge includes a hinge lever mechanism having at least on hinge axis, the two fitting portions being movable by the hinge lever mechanism substantially linearly between a first end position corresponding to a closed position of the cover element, and a second end position corresponding to an open position of the cover element. The hinge axis extends inclinedly to the bearing surface of the first fitting portion.