One-Pin Furniture Hinge With Concealed Spring Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing one-pin hinges lack return means, are aesthetically impacting, limited in action range, and unsuitable for non-aluminum doors, with concealed spring systems increasing hinge dimensions and requiring modification.

Innovation Solution

A one-pin hinge with concealed return means, utilizing helical springs around a pin to provide a force for door closure, compatible with both aluminum and wooden doors, and featuring a compact design without visible components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If return means are added to one-pin hinges, then door closure is automated, but the hinge dimensions increase and aesthetics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor closure automationVSAvoidhinge dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is nested within the hollow pin structure, with the pin serving as both the rotation axis and the housing for the return mechanism. This nesting allows the return means to be integrated into the existing hinge volume without increasing overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pin combines multiple functions: it serves as the rotation axis, the structural connection element, and the housing for the spring mechanism. By merging these functions into a single component, the design avoids adding separate return means that would increase dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Force

If magnets are used for return effect, then closing thrust is provided, but the system becomes complex and aesthetically impacting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing thrustVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex magnet-piston assembly is extracted and replaced with a simple helical spring mechanism. The spring provides the necessary closing thrust through its elastic deformation, eliminating the need for separate magnetic components and pistons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The helical spring is a simple, inexpensive component compared to magnet-piston assemblies. It provides reliable closing thrust throughout the door closure range without requiring complex calibration or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Shape

If springs are concealed in door profile, then aesthetics are improved, but the hinge is limited to aluminum doors and dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoiddoor material compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge design with the nested spring mechanism is universal and can be applied to both aluminum and wooden doors. The concave profile and pin structure are compatible with different door materials, eliminating the need for material-specific designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Force

If magnets are mounted on door profile, then return effect is achieved, but the mounting process becomes complex and aesthetically impacting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereturn effectVSAvoidmounting process

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The return mechanism is merged with the hinge assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate mounting on the door profile. The spring is integrated into the pin structure, which is already mounted on the furniture item, simplifying the overall installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 hinge achieves dampened door closure, is compact in size, easily mountable, and reliable, while being cost-effective and aesthetically unobtrusive.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring arranged around said pin exerting a force in the direction of the axis of the pin in the final phase of closing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250361754A1One-pin hinge for furniture doors fitted with return closing means

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 DANCO INC

AI summary

Hinge for the movement in opening and closing of a door with respect to a shoulder of a furniture item, said hinge including return closing mechanisms, a first fixed part attached to the shoulder, and a second movable part attached to the door, the fixed part and the movable part being articulated one to the other so as to be able to rotate around a pin, which constitutes the axis of rotation of the hinge, wherein the return closing mechanisms include at least one spring arranged around the pin exerting a force in the direction of the axis of the pin in the final phase of closing, tending to rotate coupling surfaces of the fixed part and movable part of the hinge.