Sectional Gate Hinge Connection Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sectional doors with integrated wicket doors face issues of susceptibility to damage, high cost due to numerous components, and inadequate burglary protection, while also compromising on appearance and assembly efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An internal hinge connection is arranged between the door leaf and wicket door panels, forming a concealed and secure connection that eliminates protruding parts, reduces component count, and integrates the hinge mechanism within the frame elements, allowing for a flush exterior and enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rotary connection is outside the panels and is implemented by a toothed ring segment-like connection, then the hinge connection is very susceptible to damage and protruding parts are present, but the structure is simpler to implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge connection durabilityVSAvoidhinge connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connection is nested within the panels by creating recesses in the panel sides that receive the hinge arms. The hinge connection is completely enclosed within the panel thickness, eliminating external protruding parts and protecting the hinge mechanism from damage while maintaining a clean exterior surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If hinges are placed inside the panels of the door leaf and panel elements, then pinch protection is improved and appearance is enhanced, but the design becomes very cost-intensive due to pockets and large number of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepinch protectionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connection is merged with the frame elements by integrating the hinge mounting directly into the side frames that already structurally support the panels. The frame elements are designed to accommodate the hinge arms without requiring separate pockets or additional structural components, thereby reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the concealed hinge arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional components and fastening means are used for hinge connection, then the connection is more secure, but assembly times increase and production costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge connection securityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame elements are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the panels, contain the hinge connection, and eliminate the need for separate fastening means. The integrated design allows the hinge arms to be directly received and secured by the frame structure itself, reducing assembly steps and eliminating the need for additional fasteners while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2466052B1Sectional gate

Publication Date: 2017.05.24 ALPHA DEUREN INT

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AI summary

The sectional door comprises a hinge connection (1) is formed on the stop side of a pass door by stop elements in an area of the thickness of the panels (23,24). The hinge connection is provided as German institute for standardization (DIN)left or DIN right model. The stop element has a distance limb in the thickness of the panels.