Shower Hinge Rest Position Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinges for shower cubicles face challenges in adjusting the rest position without altering the pivoting path to the locking position, leading to unsatisfactory compromises in angular positioning.

Innovation Solution

A hinge with an adjustment device featuring a first part fixed to the bolt and a second part that can rotate relative to the fitting, allowing for precise setting of the rest position without changing the pivoting path to the locking position, using a non-positive or positive connection and actuated by screws that transfer force to the bolt, enabling rotation and axial displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rest position is adjusted to a different angular position, then the adaptability of the hinge is improved, but the pivoting path to the locking position changes which reduces the reliability of the locking mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of rest positionVSAvoidlocking mechanism reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device is segmented into a first part arranged on the bolt and a second part that can be rotated relative to the second fitting. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the rest position while maintaining the fixed pivoting path to the locking position, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the bolt and the second fitting. It enables rest position adjustment through its two-part structure while the energy accumulator maintains the consistent pivoting path, allowing both adjustability and locking reliability to coexist

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rest position is adjusted by conventional means, then the adaptability is improved, but the pivoting path to the locking position changes leading to unsatisfactory compromise in positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverest position adjustabilityVSAvoidangular positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the adjustment device into two distinct parts (first part on bolt, second part on second fitting), the system enables precise angular positioning adjustment while maintaining the fixed pivoting path geometry, achieving both adaptability and positioning precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment device provides dynamic adjustability of the rest position while the locking mechanism maintains static geometric relationships. The two-part structure allows the rest position to be dynamically adjusted without affecting the fixed pivoting path to the locking position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the energy accumulator is used to support movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the pivoting path changes when rest position is adjusted which reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement support capabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation of the adjustment device into two parts allows the energy accumulator to consistently support movement along the fixed pivoting path while the rest position can be independently adjusted, maintaining both ease of operation and locking reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The energy accumulator provides dynamic support for movement operations while the two-part adjustment device maintains the static geometric relationship of the pivoting path. This allows the accumulator to assist operation without compromising the consistency of the locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the selection of a new rest position without altering the pivoting path to the locking position, ensuring consistent movement and secure locking, with the second part remaining non-rotatable relative to the first fitting during adjustment, thus maintaining the same pivoting path between rest and locking positions.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second fitting are movable relative to one another out of the locking position either in the direction of the original movement or in the direction of the rest position, the at least one force accumulator supports this movement and discharges itself in the process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy accumulation and release: Accumulator (energy)

Implementation Method 2

The second part acts when the at least one actuating means acts as a counter bearing for the at least one actuating means and the force exerted by actuating the at least one actuating means via the first part cooperating with the second part is transferred to the bolt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3626924B1Hinge
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 TIF
  • EP3626924B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3626924B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP3626924B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a hinge with an adjustment device, which includes, among other things: - a first part (7) arranged on the bolt (4) in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner - a second part (8) which is rotationally fixed relative to the first fitting (2) and rotatable relative to the second fitting (3) during actuation of the adjustment device, wherein the first part (7) is subjected to force relative to the second part (8) by the at least one energy storage device (6).that the second part (8) acts as a counter bearing for the at least one actuating means (5) when the at least one actuating means (5) is actuated, and the force exerted on the second part (8) by the actuating of the at least one actuating means (5) is transmitted via the first part (7) cooperating with the second part (8) to the bolt (4), thus causing a rotation of the first fitting (2) relative to the second fitting (3), and thus defining a new relative angular position between the first fitting (2) and the second fitting (3), in which the rest position exists, wherein, upon actuating the at least one actuating means (5), when a pivoting force is exerted by an operator on the first or second fitting (2, 3), the first part (7) relative to the second part (8) is displaced from the new relative angular position between the first fitting (2) and the second fitting (3), in which the rest position exists,against the force exerted by at least one energy storage device (6) and thereby charges it.