Balanced Hinge Brake Geometry for Programmable Door Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices for appliance doors with lower horizontal axis suffer from uncontrolled and non-programmable frictional braking, complexity, and high cost.
Innovation Solution
A balanced hinge device with a programmable brake mechanism that adjusts braking effect based on the opening angle, utilizing a helical spring and a through slot with varying dimensions to modulate friction, ensuring reliable, durable, and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a frictional braking entity is provided in known balanced hinge devices, then the opening and closing speed is moderated, but the braking effect is constant and not easily controllable or programmable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the through slot (its width at different positions) to modulate the frictional braking effect. By varying the slot width along its length, the friction between the friction means and slot walls changes, enabling programmable braking characteristics without complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the braking characteristic dynamic by designing the through slot with varying width that changes as the door opens or closes. This allows the braking effect to be automatically adjusted according to the door position, providing adaptability without requiring active control systems.
2Reliability
If known balanced hinge devices use complex brake mechanisms to control door movement, then braking control is achieved, but the device becomes very complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the braking function with the existing hinge structure by integrating the through slot into the arm means and the friction means into the connecting members. This combination eliminates the need for separate, complex brake mechanisms while maintaining reliable door movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The varying width of the through slot automatically provides the appropriate braking effect at different door positions without requiring external control. The geometry of the slot itself serves the braking function, making the system self-regulating and simplifying the overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the width of the through slot is varied to modulate friction at different opening angles, then programmable braking is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different sections of the through slot have different widths tailored to specific door positions. Each section of the slot is optimized for its local function, providing the desired braking effect at specific opening angles while maintaining overall manufacturability.
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 provides a customizable braking effect according to production-determined laws, offering progressive and additional braking while being simple, reliable, and inexpensive, ensuring stable door movement from full close to full open conditions.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means 7 consisting, for example, in a helical spring working in compression
Implementation Method 2
friction means 3 slidably engaged with friction in the through slot 2... assigned to let slide... with friction
Data Source
AI summary
A balanced hinge device with programmable brake is assigned for household appliances and furniture in general. The device (1) is provided with first (4) and second (5) connection members mutually pivoted through a first pivot pin (6) and interconnected by kinematic means (1 1 ) comprising at least an arm means (8), pivoted via a second pivot pin (9) to one of two members (4, 5). Said first (4) and second (5) connecting members are assigned to be fixed respectively to a door and to a structure or frame of the appliance or furniture for the rotation of the door between full close (C) and full open (A) condition. The arm means (8) and one of two members (4, 5) bear, one of them a through slot (2) and the other a friction means (3) slidably engaged with friction in the through slot (2) which is approximately shaped according to the followed trajectory by friction means (3) between the full close (C) and full open (A) condition view from the means or member (8, 4, 5) that bears the through slot (2)