Lockable Pet Door Hinge Assembly for Secure Passage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door hinges do not provide a lockable pet door solution that allows for secure passage of pets while preventing unauthorized access when closed.

Innovation Solution

A pet door locking hinge device with a hinge assembly featuring pivotally connected plates and tubular members that can be locked in both open and closed positions, allowing pets to pass through while securing the door when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional door hinge is used for a pet door, then the door can pivot open and closed, but the door cannot be locked in either open or closed position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to lock door in open position for pet passageVSAvoidhinge structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly allows dynamic positioning of the pet door at multiple angles (fully open, partially open, closed) through its pivot mechanism, enabling the door to be locked in various positions rather than being limited to a single fixed position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly is divided into separate functional components including a hinge body, pivot pin, and locking mechanism elements, allowing each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall ability to lock the door in multiple positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a pet door is made lockable in closed position for security, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the device complexity increases beyond traditional hinges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity when door is closedVSAvoidhinge assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly's locking mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating, using the natural pivot motion and gravitational force to engage and disengage locks without requiring external power sources or complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking functionality is merged directly into the hinge assembly structure itself, combining the pivot mechanism and locking features into a single integrated unit rather than adding separate locking systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a pet door locking hinge device is provided with multiple locking positions, then both pet passage and security needs are met, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple locked positions for different needsVSAvoidhinge assembly production

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is designed as a universal component that can lock the pet door in multiple positions (fully open for passage, partially open for controlled access, and fully closed for security), allowing a single device to serve multiple functions rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10190349B1Pet door locking hinge device

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 JACOBSON JASON V

AI summary

A pet door locking hinge device for providing a small lockable door sized just for a pet cut into a room door. The pet door locking hinge device includes a pet door having an end and being adapted to be hingedly coupled to a room door; and a hinge assembly fastened to the pet door and adapted to be fastened to the room door.