Blade hinge assembly with closure mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance hinges require separate latches for securing doors, which increase costs and assembly complexity, and do not allow for unbiased, bidirectional pivoting, especially in applications like clothes dryers where free movement is desired.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a spring-biased cam follower system that integrates a door mounting lever and cam profile, allowing bidirectional pivoting and eliminating the need for a separate latch by engaging and disengaging based on the door's position, providing self-latching and free movement as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate latch is used to secure the door, then the door can be secured in closed position, but the device complexity and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch function directly into the hinge assembly by integrating a cam mechanism with follower elements. The cam profile, when engaged by the follower, provides the latching action that secures the door in closed position, eliminating the need for a separate latch component while maintaining the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the pivot axis for door rotation, incorporates a cam mechanism for latching, and includes spring biasing for automatic engagement. This multi-functional design eliminates separate latch components while maintaining all necessary door control functions.
2Reliability
If a separate latch is used to secure the door, then the door can be secured in closed position, but the assembly labor and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch function is merged into the hinge assembly, so that a single component serves both as the pivot mechanism and the latching mechanism. This integration eliminates separate installation steps for mounting and adjusting a latch, reducing assembly labor and simplifying installation while maintaining door securing reliability.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is used, then the door can be secured, but the hinge cannot pivot freely bidirectionally
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-follower mechanism is designed to be dynamically engageable and disengageable. The spring-biased follower automatically engages the cam profile when the door approaches closed position to provide latching, and disengages when the door is opened, allowing free bidirectional pivoting. This dynamic behavior provides both securing reliability and operational freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes its operational state based on door position parameters. At certain angular positions near closed, the cam and follower are engaged to provide latching force. At other positions during opening, the follower disengages from the cam profile, allowing unrestricted pivoting motion in both directions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a latch is relocated when door pivot direction is altered, then the door can pivot about different axes, but the device complexity and reconfiguration effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cam mechanism within the hinge assembly is designed to adapt to different door pivot configurations. The universal design allows the same hinge assembly to function with doors pivoting about different axes or in different directions without requiring relocation or reconfiguration of latch components, as the latching function is inherently tied to the hinge's pivot mechanism.
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 reduces assembly complexity and costs by eliminating the need for a separate latch, enabling unbiased, bidirectional pivoting, and providing a self-latching mechanism that simplifies door operation and reduces parts required.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-biased control system is connected to the door mounting lever. The control system includes a spring-biased cam follower system including a cam follower that: (i) engages said cam profile in said engagement position
Implementation Method 2
A cam profile is defined in said peripheral edge... a cam follower that: (i) engages said cam profile in said engagement position
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance hinge includes a mounting portion and a mounting tab including a cam profile. A door mounting lever is pivotally connected to the mounting tab of the mounting portion. A spring-biased control system is connected to the door mounting lever and includes a spring-biased cam follower system including a cam follower that: (i) engages the cam profile in an engagement position and for all positions of the door mounting lever between the engagement position and a first operative position; and, (ii) separates from the cam profile for all positions of said door mounting lever located between the engagement position and a second operative position. The hinge is self-latching.