Multi-Function Hinge Structure With Single Elastic Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for household appliances and furniture are complex, delicate, noisy, and expensive due to numerous components and complicated assembly, particularly with pins and cams complicating machining and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A simplified hinge design featuring a single elastic element and cams without pins, facilitating assembly and production by integrating a transmission element with cams and a single elastic element to transmit force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pins and cams are used in connection elements and transmission elements, then the hinge can achieve complex door positioning and force transmission, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pins and cams into integrated transmission elements. Specifically, the connection elements and transmission elements are designed as integrated components where pins and cams are merged into single structural units, reducing the total component count while maintaining the door's ability to achieve multiple positioning states (open, closed, and intermediate positions).
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. Each transmission element serves as both a connection element and a force transmission element, and incorporates both pin and cam functions within a single component, allowing one element to fulfill the roles of multiple separate components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If each connection element and transmission element carries both pins and cams, then the hinge can maintain structural integrity, but the machining complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pins and cams into integrated transmission elements, where each element contains both pin and cam features as unified structural components. This integration reduces the number of separate machining operations and assembly steps required, while the internal geometry of each element maintains the structural integrity needed for reliable operation.
3Force
If multiple elastic elements are used, then the hinge can provide force in multiple directions, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single elastic element that serves multiple functions: it provides the closing force, maintains engagement between transmission elements, and enables force transmission in multiple directions through its interaction with the integrated transmission elements. This single element replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate elastic components.
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 simplified hinge design reduces complexity, noise, and cost, while enhancing assembly efficiency and reducing component count, thus making it more robust and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a body (3) and a connection element (5) mutually connected by means of a hinge pin (7) defining a hinge axis of the hinge (1) itself... an elastic element (17) connected to the body (3) and to a transmission element (6), by means of which it transmits an elastic closing force between the body (3) and the connection element (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission element (6) includes —a first extreme portion (9) constrained to a connection element (5) by the coupling of a first cam (11) and a first pin (13), fixed in the first extreme portion (9) and on the connection element (5); —a second extreme portion (15) opposite to the first (9) and constrained to an elastic element (17) blocked to a body (3); —an intermediate portion (19) between the first (9) and second (15) extreme portions constrained to the body (3) by the coupling of a second cam (21) and a second pin (23), obtained or fixed in the intermediate portion (19) and on the body (3). The transmission element (6) is constrained to the connection element (5) also by the coupling of a third cam (24) and a third pin (27), fixed in the transmission element (6) and on the connection element (5).