Segmented Arc Hinge for Coplanar Door Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and shutter hinges fail to achieve a coplanar arrangement with the frame, are aesthetically unpleasing due to visibility, lack airtightness, pose safety risks, and have installation difficulties, especially in wider openings.
Innovation Solution
A hinge composed of multiple arc-like elements that stack and slide, allowing a 180° opening angle, with concealed operation and easy installation, using guides, tabs, and coupling plates for secure fixation to the door and frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a tilting opening action with two pivots is used, then the door can be substantially coplanar with the frame, but airtightness is compromised and safety risks arise from lever effects
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple arc-like elements (at least three) that can slide relative to each other along arc-shaped paths. This segmentation allows the hinge to maintain a compact profile when closed (achieving coplanar arrangement) while providing a controlled sliding mechanism that prevents dangerous lever effects and maintains airtightness throughout the opening sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge elements move from a radial arrangement (when closed) to a tangential arrangement (when open) by sliding along arc-shaped paths. This dimensional transformation allows the hinge to achieve both coplanar arrangement when closed and adequate support when open, eliminating the need for draft excluders while maintaining safety.
2Shape
If arc-like elements are used to provide concealed pivoting, then aesthetics are improved, but the hinge has large dimensions that reduce opening clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-like elements are nested within each other in a telescopic arrangement, with each element capable of sliding along the arc-shaped path of the element below it. This nesting allows the hinge to maintain a compact radial profile when closed (concealed appearance) while extending tangentially when open, minimizing the reduction of opening clearance.
3Strength
If multiple arc-like elements are stacked and slidingly associated, then support is provided with minimal clearance reduction, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into multiple identical or similar arc-like elements that slide along predefined arc-shaped paths. This segmentation provides adequate support through the distributed structure while keeping each individual element relatively simple in form, balancing strength requirements with manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hinge (1), particularly for a door, in particular of the reinforced type, or for a shutter, comprising two or more arc-like elements (3), which are approximately annular sector-shaped in plan view and are mutually stacked and slidingly associated; the two or more arc-like elements have means (10) which are adapted to limit their mutual sliding from a closed position, in which they are mutually superimposed, to an open position, in which they are mutually offset so as to determine as a whole, in plan view, an angle which can vary from approximately 180° to approximately 360°.