Electromechanical Stop Hinge with Ball Joint for Door Weight Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic stop hinge devices for doors are not fully capable of supporting the weight of the leaf, leading to premature wear and requiring multiple mechanical parts, which increases complexity and cost, while also being vulnerable to malicious acts.

Innovation Solution

A compact electromechanical stop hinge device with a tubular sleeve and cone assembly, utilizing a ball joint and split nut with a bearing surface, and guided rotation via ball bearings, which allows for reliable weight support and simplified design, while being concealed from malicious access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electromagnetic stop hinge devices are used, then the door can be blocked in a desired position, but the device cannot fully support the weight of the door leaf, leading to premature wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight support capabilityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spherical end on the cone that cooperates with a bearing surface, creating a ball joint mechanism. This spherical geometry distributes the door leaf weight across a curved contact surface rather than a single point, reducing stress concentration and enabling reliable weight support while minimizing wear on the stationary components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If multiple mechanical parts are used to ensure reliability, then the device can support door weight, but the mechanical complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight support reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of mechanical parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified structure: the cone with spherical end serves both as a weight-bearing element and a rotation guide, while the tubular sleeve incorporates both guide means and blocking means. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate mechanical parts while maintaining reliability for supporting door weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cone structure performs multiple roles simultaneously: it guides rotation through the tubular sleeve, supports the door leaf weight via the ball joint mechanism, and enables electromagnetic blocking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable weight support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the device is made compact and concealed, then security against vandalism improves, but installation and adjustment freedom may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevandalism resistanceVSAvoidinstallation adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places the cone and tubular sleeve components inside a casing that is fixed to the door opening. This nested arrangement conceals the mechanical components within the door structure, protecting them from vandalism while maintaining full functional capability. The compact nested design does not compromise installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of manufacture

If the electromechanical means are positioned off-axis, then installation is simplified, but force transfer generates premature wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidforce transfer durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the electromechanical means and blocking means along the rotation axis of the door opening. This preliminary alignment ensures that force transfer occurs directly through the axial path, preventing lateral loads and premature wear. The spherical end of the cone further facilitates smooth force transfer by accommodating minor misalignments through its geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 device effectively supports the weight of the door leaf, reduces mechanical complexity, and enhances security by being less accessible to vandalism, while maintaining reliability and adjustability.

Implementation Method 1

said cone cooperates with said means for blocking the opening by means of a ball joint comprising a spherical end having an external diameter and said ball joint further comprising a narrowing in section before the spherical end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall joint: Ball

Implementation Method 2

said guide means are mounted in guided rotation in said casing, that is to say inside said casing, which is fixed by a means which is separate from the stopper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP2256275B1Rotation blocking device of a door and door equipped with such device
Publication Date: 2013.03.27 SAINT GOBAIN SEVA SA
  • EP2256275B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2256275B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2256275B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The device (1) has casement blocking units including guiding units with a tubular ball-retainer sheath (13) in which a cone (19) is movably mounted in translation. The cone cooperates with the blocking units through a hinge (50) having a smooth spherical end (52). The spherical end cooperates with a support surface of a split nut (56). The support surface includes a circular proximal edge presenting diameter higher than outer diameter of a section neck and lower than outer diameter of the spherical end.