Multi-link hinge with segmented linear damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-joint hinges with integrated linear dampers often cause uncontrollable slamming of doors and material stress due to uneven damping across the opening and closing movements, leading to potential destruction.
Innovation Solution
A 7-axis multi-joint hinge design where the linear damper is ineffective in a central section of the pivoting range, allowing free movement, with separate actuating elements for damping during closing and opening movements, and energy accumulators to manage the damping mechanism effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a linear damper is integrated into the multi-joint hinge to dampen closing movement, then slamming is prevented, but the door cannot move freely in the central opening angle range and material stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting range is segmented into three distinct sections: a first section (0° to first opening angle) where the damper dampens closing movement, a second section (first opening angle to second opening angle) where the damper is ineffective allowing free movement, and a third section (second opening angle to maximum opening angle) where the damper dampens opening movement. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the damper to operate selectively in specific angular ranges rather than continuously across the entire range.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping characteristic is made local to specific angular ranges rather than uniform across all angles. The linear damper is designed with actuating elements that engage only in specific sections of the pivoting range, creating different damping qualities in different spatial zones of movement. This allows free movement in the central range while providing damping at the extremes.
2Strength
If the linear damper acts over the entire opening angle to prevent unchecked hitting, then material stress is reduced, but the door operation feels unnatural in the medium opening angle range
Solution Approach 1:
The damping action is segmented to apply only where needed - at the extremes of the pivoting range where unchecked movement could cause damage - while leaving the central range undamped for natural operation. The actuating elements are positioned to engage the damper only when the hinge is near maximum opening or closing positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying damping continuously across the entire range, the design inverts the approach by applying damping only at the extremes and leaving the center free. This inversion creates a more natural user experience while still preventing damage.
3Ease of operation
If a spring is added to bias the hinge in closed position to assist closing, then closing assistance is improved, but uncontrollable slamming is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The spring closing assistance and linear damper are merged into a single hinge system where the spring provides continuous closing bias while the damper provides selective resistance during closing movement. The combination allows the spring to assist closing throughout the range while the damper prevents slamming by dampening the closing movement in the first section.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear damper acts as an intermediary between the spring force and the door movement. While the spring provides the closing force, the damper mediates this force by providing controlled resistance during closing, preventing the spring from causing uncontrollable slamming.
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
Enables smooth and intuitive door operation in the central opening range by decoupling the linear damper from the free mobility section, reducing material stress and preventing slamming, while maintaining effective damping at specific angles.
Implementation Method 1
a linear damper being provided, which dampens both a closing movement and an opening movement of the door bearing
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-link hinge (1) for furniture, with a fastening element (2) which can be secured indirectly or directly to a furniture body and is connected to a pivotable door bearing (4) via a plurality of link levers (5a-5d) connected to one another in a scissors-like manner, wherein a linear damper (6) which damps both a closing movement and an opening movement of the door bearing (4) is provided. The multi-link hinge (1) is distinguished in that the linear damper (6) is ineffective in a central portion of the pivoting range of the door bearing (4).