Positionable Soft Close Hinge for Shower Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pivot door systems with soft close mechanisms are limited by their fixed installation location on the header, which does not accommodate variations in shower door size, leading to inefficiencies in preventing door slamming.

Innovation Solution

A pivot door system with universally positionable soft close hinges that can be slid along a track system on the header and footer, allowing the soft close mechanism to be positioned anywhere, accommodating different door sizes and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If soft close mechanisms are installed at a preselected location on the header, then the mechanism structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the system cannot accommodate variations in shower door size and the soft close function is not reliably achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different door sizesVSAvoidheader structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The soft close hinge is made dynamically positionable along the header through a track system. The hinge can be adjusted to different locations on the header by sliding along the track, allowing adaptation to various door sizes and orientations while maintaining a relatively simple header structure with just the track feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the soft close mechanism is positioned at a fixed location, then the installation process is simpler, but the door slamming problem cannot be effectively prevented for all door configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoft close function reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The header with the track system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the shower door and simultaneously allows the soft close hinge to be positioned at multiple locations. This universal design enables the same header structure to work reliably for different door sizes and orientations, ensuring the soft close function is always effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If headers are pre-built with static soft close locations, then manufacturing and assembly are more efficient, but the system cannot accommodate uneven shower enclosures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of uneven enclosuresVSAvoidheader manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is segmented into the track feature on the header and the movable hinge component. This segmentation allows the header to remain relatively simple in manufacturing (just requiring a track), while the hinge carries the complexity of positioning adjustments, enabling accommodation of uneven enclosures without significantly complicating header manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240384583A1Slow close pivot door

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 KOHLER CO(US)

AI summary

A pivot door system is provided that may include a door, a doorframe, and a hinge attached to the door. The doorframe may include a header, which may include a track system. The hinge may include a soft close mechanism. The hinge may be engaged with and securable at a plurality of positions along the track system of the header.