Invisible Hinge with Articulated Linkage for Panel Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional invisible hinges for doors/windows/shutters lack versatility in accommodating different panel and staff bead sizes, limiting their ability to achieve high maximum extensions between hinge bodies, which restricts design flexibility and increases production costs due to the need for customized frames.
Innovation Solution
The design of an invisible hinge with elongated casing bodies and specific articulation mechanisms allows for a higher maximum extension between hinge bodies, enabling compatibility with various panel and staff bead sizes while maintaining compact sizes for embedding within frames and panels of limited thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional invisible hinges are used with standard sizes, then the hinge bodies can be embedded within frames and panels, but the maximum extension between hinge bodies is limited, restricting design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs an articulation mechanism with multiple movable links (first and second links, connecting rods) that can dynamically adjust the extension distance between hinge bodies. This dynamic structure allows the hinge to adapt to different panel and staff bead sizes while maintaining embeddability within standard frames and panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge body is divided into multiple functional segments including first and second casing bodies, connecting rods, and articulation links. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the overall extension capability while maintaining compact individual sizes suitable for embedding.
2Length of stationary object
If the hinge bodies are made larger to achieve high maximum extension, then the extension capability improves, but the ability to embed within frames and panels of limited thickness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation links and connecting rods are nested within the hinge bodies during the closed position, allowing the hinge to maintain a compact embedded form factor. When extended, the nested components unfold to achieve the required maximum extension distance, thus resolving the contradiction between size for embedding and extension capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge utilizes a multi-dimensional articulation mechanism where components can extend in multiple directions rather than a single linear path. This allows the hinge to achieve greater maximum extension through spatial configuration rather than simply increasing the linear size of individual components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized frames are produced to accommodate different hinge sizes, then the adaptability to different panel sizes improves, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed as a universal mechanism that can accommodate various panel and staff bead sizes through its adjustable articulation system. This multi-functionality allows a single hinge design to serve multiple applications without requiring customized frames, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining adaptability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the hinge components are simplified for easier manufacture, then the production cost decreases, but the reliability and safe operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs intermediary elements such as pins, bearings, and articulation links that mediate between the various moving parts. These intermediary components are designed to be simple in structure for easy manufacture but are strategically positioned to ensure reliable force transmission and safe operation throughout the hinge mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Invisible hinge for rotatably connecting a movable panel (100) to a fixed frame (200), comprising two hinge bodies (2, 3) embedded within corresponding cavities of the movable panel (100) and of the fixed frame (200) and rotatably connected to each other by means for articulation (4). The latter comprise a first panel connecting rod (7), which is housed within the containment seat (20) of the first hinge body (2) and is pivoted at a first end (7A) thereof to a first internal wall (2A) of the latter and at its second end (7B) to a first termination (8A) of a first curved lever (8). The latter in turn is pivoted at its second termination (8B) to the second external wall (3B) of the second hinge body (3). The articulation means (4) also comprise a second frame connecting rod (9), which is housed within the second containment seat (30) of the second hinge body (3) and is pivoted at a third end (9A) thereof to the second external wall (3B) of the latter and at its fourth end (9B) to a third termination (10A) of at least one second curved lever (10). The latter in turn is pivoted at its fourth termination (10B) to the first external wall (2B) of the first hinge body (2).