Cooking Appliance Hinge Linkage for Tight-Fit Door Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliance hinges struggle with installation in tight spaces due to limited gap dimensions between the appliance and surrounding furniture, requiring additional space for door pivoting, which affects aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a coupling rod that allows the hinge sword to pivot around a sword axis, enabling the hinge to be raised or lowered relative to the cooking appliance, with a compensating device to manage door weight, and an optional damping mechanism for smooth operation, all while maintaining a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge is used for the cooking appliance door, then the door can pivot open, but additional clearance space is required between the appliance and surrounding furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system transitions from a static mounting to a dynamic one where the hinge body moves vertically relative to the appliance housing. The connecting rod converts the horizontal door pivoting motion into vertical hinge displacement, allowing the hinge to dynamically adjust its position during door operation rather than remaining fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the door opening motion from a purely horizontal arc (single dimension) into a combined motion where the hinge body simultaneously moves vertically (second dimension). This dimensional change allows the door to clear obstacles and fit into tighter spaces by utilizing vertical space instead of requiring additional horizontal clearance
2Area of stationary object
If the hinge is designed to move vertically during door pivoting, then smaller gap dimensions are achieved, but the hinge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the hinge assembly: the connecting rod simultaneously serves as both a structural support element and a motion transmission mechanism. The first and second bearings are integrated into the hinge body to enable both vertical movement and rotational pivoting, reducing the need for separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod performs multiple functions: it connects the hinge blade to the hinge body, transmits the pivoting motion from the door, and converts horizontal motion into vertical displacement of the hinge body. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while achieving the complex motion pattern
3Adaptability or versatility
If a connecting rod mechanism is added to enable vertical hinge movement, then installation in tight spaces is enabled, but the hinge becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system transitions from a static mounting to a dynamic one where the hinge body moves vertically relative to the appliance housing. The connecting rod converts the horizontal door pivoting motion into vertical hinge displacement, allowing the hinge to dynamically adjust its position during door operation rather than remaining fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod performs multiple functions: it connects the hinge blade to the hinge body, transmits the pivoting motion from the door, and converts horizontal motion into vertical displacement of the hinge body. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while achieving the complex motion pattern
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge (2) for a cooking appliance that can be closed by a door, comprising a hinge band (4) with a pivot axis (6) and a hinge blade (8) pivotably arranged on the pivot axis (6) for receiving the door. To improve a hinge (2) for a cooking appliance that can be closed by a door and a cooking appliance equipped therewith, it is proposed that the hinge (2) be designed such that, in an assembly state, the hinge (2) is supported at one end of the hinge band (4) opposite the pivot axis (6) by means of a first bearing (10) designed as a hinge axis and at one end of the hinge band (4) opposite the pivot axis (6) by means of a second bearing (12), each supported on a housing of the cooking appliance, wherein the second bearing (12) has a connecting rod (14).the connecting rod (14) is pivotally connected to the housing at a first end (16) and to the hinge plate (8) at a second end (18) such that the hinge (2) can be pivoted around the hinge axis (10) by means of the connecting rod (14) as a function of a pivoting movement of the hinge plate (8) about the plate axis (6). The invention further relates to a cooking appliance with a cooking chamber that can be closed by a door.