Separable Hinge Knuckle Design for Quick Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinges require complex removal and reattachment processes, often necessitating multiple people to avoid damage and ensure proper alignment, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A separable mounting hinge device with leaf members that can be easily unclipped and separated by a single person within a specific angular range (0-90 degrees), utilizing affixed and open knuckles with retention members to prevent accidental detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional hinges are used for door installation, then secure attachment is achieved, but removal and reattachment require multiple people and are time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of hinge removal and reattachmentVSAvoidtime required for hinge removal and reattachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is divided into two separable members: a first hinge member with an affixed knuckle permanently attached to one component, and a second hinge member with an open knuckle that can be easily detached and reattached to another component. This segmentation allows one member to remain installed while the other is removed and reinstalled as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The open knuckle of the second hinge member is designed to dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states with the affixed pin. Within a specific angular range (0-90 degrees), the open knuckle can be easily separated from or attached to the affixed pin, enabling quick reconfiguration without requiring complete hinge removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If traditional hinges are used for door installation, then structural stability is achieved, but removal processes are complex and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of hinge removal processVSAvoidrisk of damage or misalignment during removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second hinge member with the open knuckle is extracted as a separate, easily removable component from the hinge assembly. This allows the open knuckle to be detached and reattached independently without affecting the first hinge member or requiring removal of multiple components, simplifying the removal process and reducing error risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The affixed pin serves as an intermediary element that connects the first hinge member (permanently attached) with the second hinge member (easily removable). This mediator allows the second member to be independently manipulated - easily attached to or removed from the first member - without requiring disassembly of the entire hinge structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hinges allow easy removal, then operational flexibility is improved, but accidental detachment may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of hinge attachmentVSAvoidrisk of accidental detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge employs asymmetric knuckle designs where the first knuckle is affixed (permanently attached) and the second knuckle is open (removable). This asymmetry creates a one-way attachment system where the removable member can be easily attached or detached, but accidental detachment is prevented by the specific geometric configuration that requires intentional action for removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The open knuckle is pre-configured with specific geometric features that guide proper alignment and engagement with the affixed pin. This preliminary design ensures that when the removable member is attached, it automatically assumes the correct position and orientation, preventing accidental detachment while maintaining easy intentional removal within the specified angular range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250146341A1Separable mounting hinge device

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 BFM INTERESTS LLC

AI summary

A separable mounting hinge device including two detachably engageable leaf hinge members wherein the first hinge member includes at least two knuckles affixed around a pin leaving at least one open knuckle seat therebetween. The second hinge member includes at least one open knuckle capable of operationally engaging around the pin and at least one leaf-knuckle protrusion. The second hinge member may also include a retention member. These hinge members' knuckle(s) and affixed pin open knuckle seat(s) operationally interlock thereby allowing for typical hinge movements, while detachment of said members simply requires the application of force within specifically designated angular ranges to overcome the protrusion, and potentially included retention member. As designed, the separable mounting hinge device minimizes the likelihood of any incidental or accidental detachment and obviates the need to unfasten at least one hinge from a door, panel, or frame only to refasten it later.