Appliance Hinge Assembly With Slow-Close and Optional Slow-Open Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliance hinge assemblies fail to consistently provide slow close and optional slow open damping characteristics while meeting cost, space, and durability requirements for ovens and other appliances effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly design featuring a door mounting lever with a biasing system using a spring to urge the lever toward a closed position and a damper system that contacts the arm to slow door closure, along with a slide link mechanism to facilitate smooth movement, ensuring controlled door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge assembly includes both slow open and slow close damping characteristics, then door control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines slow open and slow close damping functions into a single hinge assembly by integrating a spring-loaded cam mechanism that provides slow open damping and a separate damper mechanism that provides slow close damping. Both mechanisms share common components such as the cam, follower, and housing, allowing dual functionality while controlling overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam and follower mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides slow open damping during door opening, maintains door position at intermediate angles, and works in conjunction with the damper to enable slow close damping during door closing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each damping phase.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hinge assembly provides slow close damping, then door slamming is prevented, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damper mechanism is nested within the hinge assembly housing, with the damper piston and cylinder integrated into the existing cam follower structure. The spring mechanism is also housed within the same housing, allowing both damping functions to occupy minimal additional space while providing effective slow close damping to prevent door slamming.
3Reliability
If a hinge assembly uses a spring and damper system, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cam mechanism is designed to be self-regulating, where the spring automatically adjusts to wear and maintains consistent damping force over time. The damper uses a self-adjusting piston and seal system that maintains its damping characteristics without external intervention, reducing long-term manufacturing and maintenance costs while improving durability.
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 solution provides reliable slow close and optional slow open characteristics, enhancing user experience by preventing door slamming and improving durability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing system urges the lever toward the first position, the biasing system including a spring operatively engaged between the lever and the slide link
Implementation Method 2
A damper system damps movement of the lever for at least part of a movement of the lever about the main pivot axis in a door closing direction
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance hinge assembly includes an arm to be mated with a receiver. A door mounting lever is adapted to be connected to an appliance door, and the lever includes an inner end pivotally connected to the arm. The lever pivots relative to the arm between a first position and a second position, through an intermediate position. A slide link is located adjacent the lever and includes an inner end and outer end. The slide link inner end is pivotally connected to the arm at a location that is offset from the main pivot axis such that pivoting movement of the lever about the main pivot axis results in movement of the slide link relative to the lever. A biasing system includes a spring that urges the lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps movement of the lever.