Multi-Fulcrum Hinge With Adjustable Spring Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-joint hinges are complex and require specific designs for different flap orientations, making them costly and difficult to use universally for both upward and downward-opening flaps, as they must account for gravity's effect on the flap's movement and closure.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a base element, a fastener, a movement mechanism with a holding arm that moves on a fixed path, and a spring element that provides preload to maintain the flap in open or closed states, allowing the same hinge to be used for both upward and downward-opening flaps by adjusting the spring's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-joint hinge is designed to accommodate different flap orientations (upward and downward opening), then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring multiple pivot points and gravity-compensation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed with a single pivot point and a spring element that can function with both upward-opening and downward-opening flaps. The spring element's position can be adjusted to accommodate different flap orientations, eliminating the need for completely different hinge designs for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element's position along the holding arm can be changed to adapt to different flap orientations and weight distributions. This parameter adjustment allows the same hinge structure to work universally for both upward and downward opening flaps without increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If a multi-joint hinge includes mechanisms to keep flaps closed or open against gravity, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and specific designs for each gravity condition
Solution Approach 1:
A spring element is introduced to counteract the gravitational force acting on the flap. The spring provides a preloading force that balances gravity, enabling the hinge to reliably maintain the flap in either open or closed position depending on the spring's configuration, without requiring complex multi-joint mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is positioned to provide dynamic force adjustment based on the flap's position and orientation. This allows the hinge to adaptively maintain reliability across different operating conditions (upward or downward opening) without requiring separate static mechanisms for each case.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hinge design is simplified for universal use, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to account for gravity's effect on different flap orientations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified hinge design achieves universality through a single pivot point and an adjustable spring element, eliminating the need for complex multi-joint structures. The spring's position can be adjusted during assembly to properly compensate for gravity's effect on different flap orientations, maintaining reliability while improving ease of manufacture.
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 design simplifies the attachment mechanism, reduces costs, and allows for universal use across different flap orientations by maintaining alignment and applying force effectively to keep the flap open or closed, regardless of gravity's influence.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element is provided for providing a preload for holding the flap in a closed and/or open state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The hinge (1) has a base plate (20) provided for fixing the hinge at a body of a furniture piece. An auxiliary guiding arm (38) is fixed at an auxiliary rotary point (42) at the base plate in a rotary movable manner. A connecting arm (40) is provided for connecting the auxiliary guiding arm with one of retaining arms (6). A spring element (18) i.e. traction spring element, is utilized for providing pre-stress for holding a flap (24) in a closed condition and/or opened condition. The spring element exerts force on the auxiliary guiding arm.