Double Articulated Quadrilateral Hinge Damper Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double articulated quadrilateral hinges face issues with damper placement, fluid leakage, and return spring interference, leading to increased encumbrance, fluid loss, and premature mechanical deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The damper is positioned between an arm of the articulated quadrilateral and a common lever, with a horizontal orientation when closed to prevent fluid loss, and a spring mechanism that only engages when the door is open, reducing user effort and extending spring life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the damper is positioned between the plate and the articulated quadrilateral, then the damping function is achieved, but the encumbrance increases and the hinge becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is integrated into the existing articulated quadrilateral mechanism by positioning it between the arm and common lever, merging the damping function with the structural components rather than adding it as a separate external element. This reduces overall encumbrance while maintaining the damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper is nested within the space already defined by the articulated quadrilateral components, utilizing the existing structural envelope. The damper fits into the mechanical arrangement without requiring additional external space, thereby reducing encumbrance.
2Reliability
If the damper is completely exposed towards the outside, then the damping function is accessible, but fluid loss occurs and dirties the door panel or frame
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is nested within the articulated quadrilateral structure, specifically between the arm and common lever, which provides a protective enclosure. This positioning shields the damping fluid from external exposure, preventing leakage and contamination while maintaining the damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural components of the articulated quadrilateral (arm and common lever) act as intermediaries that enclose and protect the damper. These components serve as a barrier between the damping fluid and the external environment, preventing fluid loss and dirt accumulation.
3Strength
If the return spring acts on the articulation during the whole movement from open to closed condition, then the spring provides continuous support, but the user must overcome the spring force even when it does not facilitate movement
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring engages periodically rather than continuously - it acts on the articulation only during specific portions of the movement cycle where it can facilitate motion. During other phases, the spring disengages or reduces its action, allowing the user to operate the door without overcoming unnecessary spring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides partial action rather than full continuous action. It applies force only during the ranges of movement where it can be mechanically effective in facilitating the door motion, rather than maintaining constant engagement throughout the entire movement cycle.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the return spring supports the whole weight of the door panel in open condition, then the door remains stable, but the spring wire diameter increases and mechanical characteristics deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring engages periodically to support the door weight during specific phases of operation, rather than bearing the full continuous load. This periodic engagement reduces the cumulative stress on the spring, preserving its mechanical characteristics and extending its service life while maintaining door stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides partial support action rather than bearing the complete door weight continuously. It applies supporting force only during the portions of the movement cycle where mechanically advantageous, reducing the overall load duration and intensity on the spring structure.
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 configuration results in a more compact hinge design with reduced fluid leakage and improved user experience by minimizing spring interference during door opening, while maintaining stable run-end positions and prolonging spring durability.
Implementation Method 1
a damper for damping the transition between the open configuration and the closed configuration and viceversa
Implementation Method 2
the damper slows down the movement of the door panel avoiding these drawbacks
Implementation Method 3
The hinge comprises a damper for damping the transition between the open configuration and the closed configuration and viceversa, with a spring that acts on the articulation of the hinge only in a predetermined range of movement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dampened snap-hinge (1,10), comprising: - a first articulated quadrilateral (2) comprising a first plate (4) and provided with a first and second lever (23,32) and an arm (21) - a second articulated quadrilateral (3) comprising a second plate (5) and provided with a first and second lever (23,32) and an arm (31) said first (23) and second (32) lever being in common between the first (2) and the second (3) articulated quadrilateral, the hinge (1,10) being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the plates (4,5) are arranged differently with respect to each other, wherein the hinge (1,10) also comprises a damper (7) for damping the transition between the open configuration and the closed configuration and vice versa, wherein said damper (7) is interposed between one of the first or second levers (23,32) and said arm (21,31) of one of the first (2) and second (3) quadrilaterals.