Shutter Hinge Indexing Zone for Automatic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swing shutter locking devices require users to lean out or leave the home to operate, are difficult to install, and can be prone to misplacement or sticking, due to complex configurations and the need for precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A swing shutter with a lower articulation device featuring a hinge with an elastic return mechanism and an indexing zone, allowing the shutter to be blocked and unblocked from inside without leaning out, using a movable element that engages with the indexing zone to prevent rotation and includes a torsion spring for automatic closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking device with swinging hooks or tilting hook is used, then the shutter can be held in the open position, but the device is difficult to operate from inside the house and requires precise alignment during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two independent parts: a locking element fixed to the shutter and a locking device fixed to the building. This separation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation, as the locking device can be installed on the building without requiring precise alignment with the shutter's hinge axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary locking mechanism that mediates between the shutter and the building structure. This intermediary device translates the simple linear movement of the locking element into the rotational locking action needed to hold the shutter open, eliminating the need for complex aligned mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a pin-based locking mechanism is used, then the hinge rotation can be blocked, but the pin can become detached and misplaced or get stuck in the locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element and locking device are merged into a complementary pair where the locking element has a profiled surface that directly engages with the locking device. This integration ensures that the locking action is positive and reliable, while the simple pull-to-unlock mechanism maintains ease of operation. The profiled surface geometry prevents the locking element from becoming detached or misplaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching. The profiled surface of the locking element automatically guides the locking device into the correct position during shutter movement, and the geometry of the engagement surfaces ensures automatic latching without requiring precise manual alignment. This self-service characteristic improves reliability while maintaining simple operation.
3Reliability
If a locking device is positioned at the half of the width of the shutter furthest from the window, then the leaf is correctly held against the facade, but the device is difficult to reach from inside the house
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the locking device on the shutter (which would be hard to reach), the locking device is inverted and positioned on the building structure near the hinge axis. The locking element remains on the shutter. This inversion places the actuated component (locking element) on the movable shutter while the fixed component (locking device) is positioned for easy access from inside the house.
4Reliability
If blocking devices are installed on the facade of the house, then the shutter can be locked in the open position, but the installation is particularly tricky and requires specialist intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into a building-mounted locking device and a shutter-mounted locking element. This segmentation allows the locking device to be installed on the building using standard fixing methods without requiring precise alignment with the shutter, significantly simplifying installation and reducing the need for specialist intervention while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
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 easy operation and maintenance of swing shutters from within the home, preventing misplacement and sticking issues, while allowing automatic closure, thus improving user convenience and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
said hinge comprises an elastic return means from the so-called open position to the so-called closed position
Implementation Method 2
said elastic return means consisting of a torsion spring threaded onto the upper nipple
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hinge device (1) for a hinged shutter, comprising a pin (2) and a hinge (3), where said hinge (3) has an eye (4) and said pin (2) has a nipple (5) inserted into said eye (4) to allow said shutter to pivot from an open position to a closed position, and vice versa. The hinge device of the invention is more particularly characterized in that said pin (2) has a movable element (7) in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (8) of said shutter, elastically returned, and manually operable by force of the elastic return means (9) when said shutter is in the open position, while said hinge (3) has, on the periphery of said eye (4), on the side of insertion of said nipple (5), an indexing zone (10) adapted to receive said movable element (7) when said shutter is in the open position, so as to ensure that said shutter is locked in this position.