Selective Two-Way Hinge Assembly for Emergency Door Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door designs that allow only inward or outward opening are inadequate in situations requiring opposite direction opening, such as in mental health institutions or during emergencies, as existing solutions like additional hinge axes or door jamb removals are unsatisfactory due to structural weaknesses and retrofitting challenges.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly system with a locking element that allows selective rotation of the door leaf to open in a direction opposite to its usual operation by coupling hinge members around first and second axes, preventing rotation when engaged and enabling lateral movement when disengaged, without requiring engagement with the door frame or floor, thus ensuring strength and minimal retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a door jamb is provided to inhibit rotation beyond closed position, then the door can only open in one direction during normal use, but the door cannot open in the opposite direction during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly allows dynamic switching between two operational modes: normally the door jamb restricts rotation to prevent outward opening, but during emergencies the door can be manually manipulated to overcome the jamb and open in the opposite direction. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between restricted normal operation and emergency flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the door by allowing rotation beyond the closed position when force is applied in the opposite direction. The door can transition from a restricted state (jamb engaged) to an unrestricted state (jamb overcome), enabling bidirectional opening capability while maintaining normal operational restrictions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the door jamb is removed to allow opposite direction opening, then the door can open in both directions, but operators feel vulnerable to sudden opening and potential physical injury
Solution Approach 1:
The door jamb serves as a preliminary protective measure that prevents unintended or sudden door opening in the opposite direction. By maintaining the jamb in place and only allowing opposite-direction opening when deliberately overcome, the system prevents the harmful effect of sudden door movement while still permitting emergency access when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional hinge axes are provided to allow multiple sections to rotate, then the door can pass beyond the door jamb, but the doorpost connection strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple segments (first hinge member, intermediate hinge member, second hinge member) connected by rotatable couplings. This segmentation allows each component to bear part of the rotational load and enables the door to articulate beyond the door jamb while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate hinge member acts as a mediator between the first and second hinge members, allowing relative rotation while maintaining the connection. This intermediary component enables the door to pass beyond the door jamb by providing an additional articulation point that distributes mechanical stress and maintains connection strength.
4Adaptability or versatility
If base plates and coaxial rods are used to lock the door post, then the door post pivotable movement is locked, but the installation requires significant alteration to existing door frame
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed as a universal component that can be installed in existing door frames without significant modification. The first and second hinge members can be mounted to the door frame and door leaf respectively, providing both normal hinged operation and emergency opposite-direction opening capability through the intermediate hinge mechanism, eliminating the need for base plates and coaxial rods.
Data Source
AI summary
A door mounting system comprises a hinge assembly (101) and a door frame (5), the length of the hinge assembly (101) corresponding to a height of the door frame (5). The hinge assembly (101) comprises a first hinge member (2) coupled to the door frame (5), an intermediate hinge member (3), and a second hinge member (4) for attachment to a door leaf (1). The first hinge member (2) and the intermediate hinge member (3) are rotatably coupled to each other around a first hinge axis, and the second hinge member (4) and the intermediate hinge member (3) are rotatably coupled to each other around a second hinge axis. A locking element is adapted to selectively inhibit rotation of the intermediate hinge member (3) relative to either the first hinge member (2) or the second hinge member (4).