Self-Closing Pivot Hinge with Pen-Slotted Cam Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door hinge constructions with self-closing pivot hinges integrated into the door panel suffer from rapid wear due to misalignment of pivot axles and uneven force distribution, leading to reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The door construction features self-closing pivot hinges at both the top and bottom with compact cam elements and a pen-slotted hole coupling system, reducing the length of the pivot axle and distributing forces more evenly, eliminating the need for floor and top-side drilling and minimizing misalignment issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the total pivot axle length is reduced to minimize misalignment effects, then wear on hinge parts is reduced, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pen and slotted hole coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary element that connects the cam element to the pivot hinge body. This coupling allows the second cam element to move longitudinally while maintaining rotational connection, enabling compact design without excessive wear while managing the complexity through a standardized coupling pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The second cam element is designed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the pivot axle through the pen-slotted hole coupling. This dynamic capability allows the cam element to adjust its position during operation, enabling the hinge to accommodate misalignment while maintaining compact dimensions and reducing wear on critical surfaces
2Reliability
If pivot hinges are provided at both top and bottom of the door, then force distribution is improved and wear is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door hinge system is segmented into two independent pivot hinges - one at the top and one at the bottom of the door panel. Each hinge independently handles a portion of the door's weight and operational forces, distributing the mechanical load and reducing wear on each individual hinge while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The top and bottom pivot hinges are combined to form a coordinated hinge system that works together to support the door. The merging of these two hinges creates a balanced force distribution system where both hinges share the operational loads, improving reliability while the modular design keeps complexity manageable
3Manufacturing precision
If the pivot hinge is integrated into the door panel with compact dimensions, then misalignment effects are minimized, but the coupling mechanism between cam elements becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pen-slotted hole coupling serves as an intermediary mechanism that connects the cam element to the pivot hinge body in a compact arrangement. This coupling allows for controlled movement and position adjustment while maintaining precise alignment, enabling the hinge to be integrated into the door panel with minimal misalignment effects
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism utilizes longitudinal movement of the second cam element along the pivot axle direction to achieve the necessary functional range in a compact radial footprint. By exploiting the longitudinal dimension, the design maintains precise alignment while accommodating the coupling complexity within compact overall dimensions
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
This design significantly reduces wear on hinge parts, extends the lifespan of the door construction, and ensures reliable self-closing functionality with reduced noise and force required for operation.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge comprises a spring which extends along the rotation axle and which provides a self-closing function to the pivot hinge
Implementation Method 2
The first part comprises a first cam element and the second part comprises a second cam element, the cam elements extending along the rotation axle and being pushed onto each other by the spring upon rotation of the first and second parts with respect to each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Door construction comprising a door panel and at the top and at the bottom each time a self-closing pivot hinge. Each of the pivot hinges comprises a spring (23) which extends along the rotation axle and which provides a self-closing function to the pivot hinge. Each of the pivot hinges comprises a first cam element (12) and a second cam element (11 ) which are pushed onto each other by the spring (23) and push the door panel towards the closed position under the influence of the spring pressure. The first cam element (12) comprises at least one protrusion (27, 28) which upon rotation runs along a running surface (41, 42, 43) with inclined parts (43) of the second cam element (11 ). The second cam element (11 ) element is movably mounted in longitudinal direction of the pivot axle (25) by means of a pen (26) which is accommodated in a slotted hole (44) of the second cam element (11 ). The slotted hole (44) extends at least partly between the inclined parts (43) of the running surface.