Multi-Leaf Articulated Hinge for Flush-Mounted Concealed Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges used to secure frames to surfaces, such as picture frames to walls, are bulky and visible, making it obvious that they cover in-wall objects, which can be a security risk, and existing solutions that attempt to conceal them often restrict the frame's pivotal range or require significant clearance.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring multiple flat leaves connected by articulation points, allowing for a thin profile and concealed mounting, with each leaf connected to two articulation points, enabling the frame to pivot flush against the wall without visible joints and maintaining a low profile of 3/16 inch or less, allowing for full access to in-wall structures like safes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bulky hinges are used to secure frames to surfaces, then the frame can be securely mounted, but the hinge becomes visually obvious and indicates valuable items may be hidden behind the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple thin leaves (typically 3-5 leaves) connected by articulation points, creating a segmented structure that can be mounted flush against the wall while maintaining secure attachment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a three-dimensional bulky structure to a two-dimensional flat profile when mounted, with the leaves arranged in a staggered configuration that allows the frame to pivot while maintaining a thin overall thickness of less than 3/16 inch
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hinges are mounted in a recessed area or require thicker frame to cover the hinge, then the hinge becomes concealed, but the pivotal range of the frame is limited to less than 90 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge uses multiple articulation points with pins that allow dynamic movement of each leaf relative to the others, enabling the frame to pivot through a full 90 degrees or more while the hinge remains concealed against the wall surface
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple leaves of the hinge are arranged in a nested or staggered configuration where each leaf is positioned slightly offset from the others, allowing the entire hinge assembly to maintain a thin profile while providing the mechanical advantage of multiple pivot points for full range of motion
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sliding racks are used to mount frames flush against the wall, then the frame can be concealed, but large clearance is required on at least one side of the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into multiple thin leaves that can be mounted in a compact arrangement requiring minimal clearance space, unlike sliding racks that require large lateral movement space
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge enables pivoting motion in a different dimensional plane compared to sliding racks, allowing the frame to open perpendicular to the wall rather than requiring lateral sliding clearance
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge for pivotally securing a frame substantially flush to a mounting surface, the hinge comprising a plurality of leaves and a plurality of articulation points wherein each leaf is connected to two articulation points and movement of at least one leaf connected to each articulation point occurs substantially simultaneously. With four leaves and four articulation points the hinge is configured for fluid movement as the articulation points are utilized or activated concurrently to pivot the frame about the hinge and with respect to a mounting surface. A pair of hinges wherein one hinge may be a mirror image of the other can be used to mount the frame to the mounting surface.