Integrated Self-Closing Hinge With Hydraulic Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge structures for self-closing doors, particularly glass doors, are bulky, heavy, costly, and lack versatility, with poor control over door motion and increased maintenance needs due to multiple parts and sensitivity to door mass, leading to inconsistent closing and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with a minimized number of parts, incorporating closing means and hydraulic damping means within a single operating chamber, allowing controlled door motion and automatic closing without adjustments, suitable for various door sizes and shapes, ensuring smooth operation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If prior art hinge structures use multiple parts to achieve self-closing function, then automatic closing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the closing means and hydraulic damping means into a single integrated hinge structure with one operating chamber, eliminating the need for multiple separate components. This merging approach maintains the automatic closing function while reducing complexity and assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing closing force through the closing means, damping the closing motion through hydraulic means, and supporting doors of various weights. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Extent of automation
If prior art hinge structures use multiple parts to ensure self-closing, then automatic closing function is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the closing means and hydraulic damping means into a single manufactured unit with one operating chamber, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. The merged structure requires fewer assembly steps and reduces the potential for assembly errors while maintaining full self-closing functionality.
3Force
If prior art hinge structures are designed for specific door masses, then closing force is optimized, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic damping means provides dynamically adjustable resistance that adapts to different door masses. The system automatically adjusts its damping characteristics based on the actual load, allowing the same hinge structure to effectively close doors of varying weights without requiring redesign or recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed with universal adaptability to work with doors of different masses by combining the closing means that provides the necessary force with hydraulic damping that automatically adjusts to the load, making it suitable for various applications without modification.
4Ease of manufacture
If prior art hinge structures have fixed closing position, then manufacturing precision is simplified, but reliability deteriorates due to position variations
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic damping means acts as a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors and adjusts the closing motion to maintain consistent closing position. The hydraulic system provides real-time resistance adjustment based on the door's motion state, ensuring reliable and repeatable closing positions despite variations in door mass or environmental conditions.
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
The hinge structure provides efficient, cost-effective, and safe operation with controlled door movement, maintaining performance over time, reducing maintenance and preventing damage by ensuring smooth closing and resistance-free operation even under abrupt force.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic damping means, which operate on the movable element to oppose the closing motion produced by the closing means
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge structure (1) for self-closing doors or the like comprises a first stationary element (2) attachable to the frame (T) of a door (P), a first movable element (3) securable to the door (P) and pivotally mounted to the first stationary element (2) for rotating about a longitudinal axis (X) between an open door position and a closed door position. The structure (1) further comprises closing means (4) acting on the first movable element (3) for automatically returning the door (P) to the closed position during opening, hydraulic damping means (5) operating on the first movable element (3) to oppose and damp the movement produced by the closing means (4). The closing means (4) and the hydraulic damping means (5) are housed within a first operating chamber (6) locate internally of the first stationary element (2). An assembly incorporates such hinge structure.