Invisible Furniture Hinge Internal Damping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Invisible hinges for furniture doors face challenges in decelerating the closing movement without noise, as existing solutions either protrude externally, are inefficient, or constrain the shape of rockers, limiting movement, especially when there are no rockers or elastic opening means.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design with a flat fixed part and movable part connected via an articulation device, featuring a movement control device like a damping mechanism entirely internal to the hinge, operated independently of the articulation system, allowing for effective deceleration of closing and opening movements without rocker intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an external deceleration device is mounted on the fixed part of the hinge, then the deceleration function is provided, but the overall dimensions of the fixed part increase and the deceleration effectiveness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The deceleration device is nested within the fixed part of the hinge, specifically housed in a cavity formed in the thickness of the horizontal wall. This internal placement eliminates the need for external mounting, maintaining the invisible aesthetic while providing effective deceleration throughout the closing movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The deceleration device is positioned to act on the movable part during the entire closing movement, not just in the last degrees. This preliminary and continuous action effectively dampens the closing motion before the door reaches the closed position, preventing impact noise.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the deceleration device is housed inside the fixed part and operated by rockers, then the deceleration function is integrated, but the shape of rockers is constrained and opening movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into independent functional components: the articulation system (rockers) for movement control and the deceleration device for damping. The drive member connects these segments, allowing each to perform its function independently without constraining the other's range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
A drive member acts as an intermediary between the movable part and the deceleration device. This mediator transmits the closing motion to the deceleration mechanism without requiring the rockers to change their shape or movement characteristics, preserving full opening and closing range.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the deceleration device is operated by rockers, then the deceleration function is integrated, but the solution is not applicable to hinges without rockers
Solution Approach 1:
The drive member is designed with universal functionality to work with both rocker-based articulation systems and single-axis articulation systems. It can be operatively connected to either the movable part or the fixed part depending on the hinge configuration, making the deceleration device applicable to various hinge types including those without rockers.
4Force
If elastic opening means are operated by rockers, then the opening function is provided, but the same constraints on rocker shape and movement occur
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic opening means are integrated into the fixed part as a separate functional module, independent of the articulation system. This segmentation allows the elastic mechanism to provide opening force without constraining the rocker shape or movement, and enables application to hinges with or without rockers.
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 solution provides a noise-free, efficient, and versatile deceleration mechanism that is applicable to various hinge configurations, including those without rockers, ensuring smooth operation and concealment within the furniture's structure.
Implementation Method 1
a movement control device to control the closing/opening movement of the hinge and a drive member for the movement control device, said movement control device being in particular in the form of a deceleration device to decelerate the closing and/or opening movement of the hinge
Implementation Method 2
or of an elastic device to open the hinge
Data Source
AI summary
The hinge (1) for furniture comprises a substantially flat-shaped fixed part (2) conformed to be inserted in a seat (3) provided within the thickness of a horizontal wall (4) of the piece of furniture and a movable part (5) connectable to a door (7); the hinge (1) comprises a movement control device (43, 47) for controlling the closing/opening movement of the hinge (1), completely arranged within the fixed part (2) or movable part (5) of the hinge, and a drive member (44, 48) for driving the movement control device (43, 47), movably supported by the same hinge part (2, 5) in which the movement control device (43, 47) is arranged and is operatively connected or actuated by the other of said fixed part (2) or movable part (5) of the hinge cooperating with the movement control device (43, 47) independently from the articulation device (11-14, 54) of the hinge.