Polymeric Hinge Cover with Axial Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical door hinges pose a risk of damaging vehicles or objects due to their robust nature and location, especially when using automatic door openers, as they can contact and scrape or gouge nearby surfaces, and existing solutions are either difficult to install or manufacture efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A removably attachable hinge cover made of polymeric material with a wedge-shaped body and axial connector, featuring downwardly-sloping ramps and flexible sidewalls, which can absorb impact and rotate to minimize damage, allowing easy and reliable attachment to the hinge without complex installation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a hinge cover is designed to be robust and sturdy to protect vehicles, then protective capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover uses polymeric material instead of metal, changing the material parameter to achieve adequate protection with simpler manufacturing. The polymeric material provides sufficient cushioning and protection while allowing for easier molding and production compared to metal fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge cover employs a composite structure combining polymeric material with an axial connector, creating a hybrid solution that integrates the protective benefits of polymer with the structural advantages of a connector system for reliable attachment
2Reliability
If a hinge cover uses a complex attachment structure to ensure reliable attachment, then attachment reliability is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into separate components: the hinge cover body and the axial connector. This allows the connector to be inserted through the barrel opening to attach the cover, providing reliable attachment while maintaining simple installation without requiring disassembly of hinge components
Solution Approach 2:
The axial connector is extracted as a separate attachment mechanism from the main hinge structure. By removing the connector from the hinge body and making it a standalone component that passes through the barrel opening, the system achieves reliable attachment while keeping the installation process simple and tool-free
3Reliability
If existing hinge covers require disassembly of door hinges for installation, then attachment security is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axial connector is designed to be inserted through the barrel opening before final hinge assembly is complete. This preliminary attachment action secures the hinge cover in place without requiring disassembly of the hinge components, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures while maintaining attachment security
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 cover effectively protects vehicles and objects from damage by dissipating the force of the moving door, allowing it to rotate and absorb impact, thus preventing scratches and gouges, while being easy to manufacture and install, addressing the limitations of previous solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge cover effectively protects vehicles and objects from damage by dissipating the force of the moving door, allowing it to rotate and absorb impact
Implementation Method 2
allowing it to rotate and absorb impact, thus preventing scratches and gouges
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge cover for preventing damage to a vehicle or other object caused by contact with one or more hinge of a vertically opening door. Hinges which may be covered with a hinge cover may include leaves connected together by an axial barrel with opposite ends defining openings. A hinge cover may comprise a generally wedge-shaped body and an axial connector removably insertable in a respective barrel end opening to removably attach the hinge cover to the hinge. The body may include a downwardly-sloping ramp and a pair of opposed sidewalls which receive the barrel therebetween. In embodiments, an axial connector comprises a pair of opposed coaxial tabs extending from a respective sidewall which can each be inserted into a respective end opening of the barrel to removably attach the hinge cover to the hinge. The hinge cover shields a vehicle or other object in the path of the hinge from direct or glancing damaging contact by the hinge.