Tool-Free Window Hinge Adjustment via Sliding Wedge Accessory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accessories for adjusting the position of a window or door hinge on a building's profile require tools for adjustment, are costly, and do not allow for precise adjustment, especially for heavy doors and windows, leading to potential misalignment during reinstallation.

Innovation Solution

A combination of a profile and hinge with an accessory composed of two plate-shaped parts that are movably affixed with wedge-shaped elements, allowing for manual adjustment of the hinge's position without tools, using a sliding mechanism and screw passages for secure fastening, eliminating the need for extra screw holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an accessory with an adjustable thickness is used to adjust the position of the hinge on the profile, then the position adjustment capability is improved, but a tool is required for adjustment and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidtool requirement and production cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory enables tool-free adjustment through a manual sliding mechanism. The first plate-shaped part can be freely moved manually along the groove relative to the second plate-shaped part, allowing users to adjust the hinge position without requiring any tools, thus simplifying the adjustment process and reducing production costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory transforms from a static component to a dynamic adjustable component. The sliding mechanism allows the thickness of the accessory to be continuously adjusted by moving the first plate-shaped part along the groove, providing dynamic position adjustment capability while maintaining structural integrity through the engagement of wedge-shaped elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a screw is used to secure the accessory between the hinge and profile, then the accessory can be fastened, but the smooth edges of teeth cause movement during screwing and prevent precise adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening capabilityVSAvoidadjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge-shaped elements have asymmetric geometry with inclined surfaces that convert linear sliding motion into thickness adjustment. This asymmetric design provides mechanical advantage for secure fastening while enabling precise adjustment through the sliding mechanism, eliminating the problem of movement during screwing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory acts as an intermediary component between the hinge and the profile. It provides a stable interface with the sliding mechanism that mediates the connection, allowing precise adjustment of the hinge position on the profile while maintaining secure fastening through the engagement of the plate-shaped parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the hinge is firmly fastened to heavy doors and windows, then the connection is strong, but the accessory moves relative to the hinge leaf during screwing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidrelative position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory is divided into two separate plate-shaped parts that can move relative to each other through the sliding mechanism. This segmentation allows the first plate-shaped part to be adjusted manually along the groove while the second plate-shaped part remains stable, enabling position adjustment without affecting the overall connection strength to heavy doors and windows

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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, tool-free adjustment of the hinge's position, ensuring proper alignment and secure fastening without additional costs or misalignment issues, even for heavy doors and windows, with the ability to readjust precisely during reinstallation.

Implementation Method 1

both plate-shaped parts are provided on this side with a wedge-shaped relief with wedge-shaped elements that are such that when both parts are moved with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction with their wedge-shaped elements, the plate-shaped parts move away from one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge mechanism: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP3604723B1Combination of a profile and hinge for a window or a door with an accessory for adjusting the position between said hinge and said profile of said window or door
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 SOBINCO NV
  • EP3604723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3604723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3604723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Hinge for window or a door of a building, the hinge comprising an accessory for the sideways adjustment of the position of a hinge leaf (6) of the hinge (4) on a profile (2) of the window or door, characterised in that the hinge leaf is provided with a slot (56) that, in the mounted situation of the hinge leaf (6) on the profile (2), extends in a direction that runs obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the profile (2), and that the hinge is provided with an accessory (44) that is constructed as a sliding piece (52) that is affixed between the hinge leaf (6) and the profile (2) and which is provided with a guide rib (53) with which the sliding piece (52) is movably affixed in a groove (54) of the profile (2) and which is provided with a peg (55) that is guided in the slot (56) of the hinge leaf (6).