Separated Door Hinge Layout for Shorter Auto-Return Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge apparatuses with automatic return functions have a complex structure that increases length, making them difficult to bury in doors, suffer from reduced restoring force over time, and are not height-controllable, leading to manufacturing challenges and metal-to-metal noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A separated type hinge apparatus with a distinct restoring device and damping device, featuring a torsion spring and a damping mechanism with a cam member and fluid pressure control, allows for adjustable restoring force and height control, reducing overall length and preventing metal-to-metal noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic member and damping device are installed in one casing, then restoring force and shock absorption are provided, but the length of the hinge apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge apparatus is divided into separate restoring device and damping device, each housed in its own casing. The restoring device with elastic member is installed in one casing while the damping device is installed in another casing, allowing independent optimization of each function and reducing the overall length compared to a single integrated casing.
2Reliability
If hinge apparatus is buried more deeply, then automatic return function is achieved, but manufacturing of burying holes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the restoring device and damping device into different casings, the hinge apparatus can be installed in a shallower burial depth. The separated configuration allows the components to be arranged more compactly and accessed more easily, simplifying the manufacturing of burying holes while maintaining the automatic return function.
3Reliability
If complex structure is used for automatic return, then restoring force is provided, but assembly productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The restoring device and damping device are manufactured as separate modular units that can be independently assembled and then combined. This segmentation allows for specialized assembly processes for each device and simplifies the final assembly by reducing the number of components that need to be integrated, thereby improving assembly productivity while maintaining the automatic return function.
4Reliability
If compression spring is used, then automatic return is achieved, but restoring force weakens and burial in door becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a torsion spring instead of a compression spring, changing the type of elastic member to maintain stronger restoring force over time. The torsion spring's rotational mechanism provides more consistent restoring force and allows for better control of the automatic return function while enabling easier burial in the door structure.
5Ease of operation
If metal to metal contact occurs, then hinge operation is achieved, but scratching noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device acts as an intermediary between the moving parts of the hinge apparatus. It provides controlled damping that reduces metal-to-metal contact and scratching noise while still allowing smooth hinge operation. The damping mechanism absorbs shocks and reduces direct contact between metal surfaces.
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 separated design enables easier installation, adjustable restoring force, and height adjustment, reducing noise and manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective automatic door closure.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member that provides a restoring force
Implementation Method 2
the first elastic member is a torsion spring
Implementation Method 3
a damping device having an additional damping casing separated from the elastic casing
Implementation Method 4
a fluid pressure control rod inserted into a groove formed at one side of the piston rod to thereby control the up/down travel speed of the piston
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hinge apparatus for a door, and more particularly, to a separated type hinge apparatus with an automatic return function, in which a restoring device and a damping device are installed separately so that the overall length of the hinge apparatus is reduced, and thus the hinge apparatus may be buried less deeply. A separated type hinge apparatus comprises: an elastic casing; a first elastic member that provides a restoring force; a clutch device which is combined with one end of the first elastic member and controls the elastic force of the first elastic member to remain constant; a shaft penetratively combined through the clutch device in order to transmit a rotational force; and a spring fixing member which is coupled to the other end of the first elastic member and has a gear groove to control a spring elastic force.