Parallel Mating Hinge Prevents Door Lifting Without Large Frame Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security hinges require a large hole in the door or frame for the plug, which is not aesthetically pleasing and may not be feasible in all designs, and they can be easily disassembled, allowing doors to be lifted without opening them, compromising security.

Innovation Solution

A hinge design where the mating members are aligned parallel to the plane of the leaves, allowing for a compact structure without additional space requirements and preventing disassembly by mating only when the hinge pin is removed, providing enhanced security without the need for a large hole.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plug extending perpendicular to the frame leaf is used to prevent door lifting, then security against unauthorized door removal is improved, but a large hole is required in the door or frame which is aesthetically displeasing and not feasible in all designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against door liftingVSAvoidhole size in door or frame
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation of the plug from extending perpendicular to the frame leaf (conventional approach) to extending parallel to the frame leaf. This dimensional change allows the plug to mate with a recess in the door leaf without requiring a large hole through the door or frame, thus maintaining security while eliminating the aesthetic and structural drawbacks of large holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the plug extend outward perpendicular to the frame leaf as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by having the plug extend parallel to the frame leaf and mate with a recess that is also oriented parallel to the leaf. This inversion eliminates the need for a large penetrating hole while maintaining the security function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If common hinges are used allowing easy removal of the hinge pin, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but security against unauthorized door removal is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of hinge assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized door removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is divided into distinct components: a frame leaf with a plug, a door leaf with a recess, and a coupling element. The coupling element can be easily inserted and removed, providing ease of assembly and disassembly, while the plug and recess create an interlocking mechanism that prevents unauthorized door removal when properly assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the frame leaf and door leaf. It enables easy assembly by simply inserting the coupling element into the plug and recess, while also providing security by creating a mechanical connection that prevents unauthorized removal of the door from the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If mating members are arranged to mate perpendicular to the leaf plane, then security function is achieved, but additional space is required in door or frame which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity function of hingeVSAvoidspace requirements in door or frame
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the security function with the existing hinge structure by having the plug and recess integrate into the frame leaf and door leaf respectively. The plug extends parallel to the frame leaf and mates with the recess in the door leaf, combining the security mechanism with the hinge leaves themselves rather than requiring separate components or additional space in the door or frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3228790B1Hinge and system comprising a hinge
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 BUVA RATIONELE BOUWPRODN
  • EP3228790B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3228790B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3228790B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An aspect relates to a hinge comprising leaves, each leave comprising a mating member arranged to mate with a mating member in the other leave. In an embodiment, the mating members are arranged to mate in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the leaves, with the hinge in closed state. With the two leaves connected for enabling a swiveling action, the mating members do not mate, for allowing the hinge to swivel. When a coupling element, such as a hinge pin, is removed from the hinge, the leaves are arranged to move relative to one another. If they move in a first direction relative to one another, the mating members mate. Due to the mating, the leaves are blocked from further relative movement in at least some direction other than opposite to the first direction. Preferably, movement in any direction other than opposite to the first direction.