Releasable Pivot Hinge With Spring-Locked Pin Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges fail to balance ease of assembly and disassembly with secure attachment, often leading to unintentional release under load, and are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a hinge pin adjustable perpendicular to a pin axis between pivoted and assembled positions, with a securing element that locks the pin in place using a spring mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hinge pin is easily adjustable perpendicular to the pin axis for quick assembly and disassembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of preventing unintentional release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is positioned in advance to block the adjustment path of the hinge pin before any unintentional movement can occur. The spring mechanism pre-loads the securing element into a blocking position, so that when the hinge pin is inserted, it is automatically secured without requiring additional locking actions. This preliminary positioning ensures that the easy adjustability of the hinge pin does not compromise security.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element acts as an intermediary between the hinge pin and the pin receiving element. It mediates the interaction by providing a controllable barrier that can easily be moved aside during intentional assembly/disassembly (when force is applied) but automatically blocks unintentional movement through spring pressure. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by allowing both easy operation and reliable security.
2Reliability
If a securing element is added to prevent unintentional release, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element and spring mechanism are merged into a single integrated component assembly that works together as one unit. The spring is embedded within or attached to the securing element, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms, buttons, or complex actuating systems. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically maintaining the securing element in the blocking position without requiring external control systems, actuators, or complex mechanisms. The spring's elastic force naturally keeps the securing element engaged, and the system self-regulates during assembly and disassembly operations. This self-service approach adds minimal complexity while maximizing reliability.
3Reliability
If the hinge pin is constrained to prevent movement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element transitions from a static blocking position to a dynamic state during operation. The spring-loaded design allows the securing element to dynamically respond to applied forces: it maintains a firm blocking position during normal operation for security, but can be easily pushed aside when intentional assembly or disassembly force is applied. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between constraint and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The force required to move the securing element changes based on the operational state. During normal operation, the spring maintains high blocking force for secure attachment. During intentional assembly or disassembly, when external force is applied to the hinge pin, the securing element's resistance parameter changes as it is pushed aside against spring pressure. This parameter change allows both secure attachment and easy operation.
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
Ensures stable and secure attachment while facilitating quick connection and disconnection, reducing the risk of unintentional release and maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element arranged to act on the securing element with a restoring force in a direction towards the release position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A hinge (1, 22, 33) for detachably and pivotably connecting a wing (16), in particular in the form of a door and/or a flap, to a base part (15), in particular in the form of a frame, is shown and described. The hinge comprises: a hinge pin (3) extending along a pin axis (A), and at least one pin receiving element (5) having a pin receptacle (6) for at least partially receiving the hinge pin (3), wherein the hinge pin (3) is adjustable relative to the pin receiving element (5) at least substantially perpendicular to the pin axis (A) between a pivot position received at least partially in the pin receptacle (6) and a mounting position arranged outside the pin receptacle (6), wherein the pin receiving element (5) and the hinge pin (3) are pivotable relative to each other about the pin axis (A) in the pivot position, and wherein a locking element (9, 23) is provided.which is adjustable between a locking position to secure the hinge pin (3) against unintentional movement from the pivot position to the mounting position at least substantially perpendicular to the pin axis (A) and a release position to release the movement of the hinge pin (3) from the pivot position to the mounting position at least substantially perpendicular to the pin axis (A). A system (14, 29, 38) with such a hinge (1, 22, 33) is also shown and described.