Breakaway Hinge Receptacle With Cam Latch for Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliance door breakaway systems are sub-optimal due to high cost, complexity, performance issues, and size constraints, failing to effectively manage excessive weight without causing damage to the hinge system or tipping the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway hinge system comprising a receptacle base with a breakaway lever and cam edge, a mounting structure, and a spring-biased cam follower that moves from an operative to a breakaway position when excessive force is applied, allowing the door to collapse and reset automatically or manually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breakaway hinge system is implemented to prevent damage from excessive weight, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is divided into distinct functional components: a receptacle base, a breakaway lever with cam edge, mounting structures, and a cam follower mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakaway lever automatically activates when excessive weight is applied, causing the cam follower to disengage from the cam edge and allowing the door to break away. The system self-regulates without requiring external control mechanisms, reducing complexity while ensuring safety.
2Reliability
If a breakaway hinge system is implemented to prevent damage from excessive weight, then safety and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the hinge into separate functional components (receptacle base, breakaway lever, cam follower), each part can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to a monolithic complex hinge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakaway lever is designed as a sacrificial component that fails in a controlled manner under excessive load. This allows the use of simpler, less expensive materials and manufacturing methods for the breakaway lever compared to a fully robust hinge design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the door is allowed to pivot until it contacts the floor or other support surface, then breakaway movement is maximized, but risk of damage from uncontrolled movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam edge on the breakaway lever is pre-configured with specific geometric profiles that guide the cam follower through a controlled disengagement path. This preliminary design ensures the door breaks away in a predictable, controlled manner rather than allowing uncontrolled pivoting to the floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam follower acts as an intermediary between the breakaway lever and the door, mediating the breakaway motion. As the cam follower disengages from the cam edge, it controls the rate and direction of door movement, preventing harmful uncontrolled pivoting while still allowing adequate breakaway movement.
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 system effectively prevents damage from excessive weight by allowing the door to break away and reset, improving safety and usability while reducing costs and complexity compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The breakaway latch further includes a spring that biases the cam follower into abutment with the cam edge
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle for an associated appliance hinge includes a receptacle base and a breakaway lever movably connected to the receptacle base. The breakaway lever includes a cam edge. A first mounting structure is connected to the receptacle base and adapted to be engaged by an associated hinge arm. A second mounting structure connected to the breakaway lever such that the second mounting structure is movable relative to the receptacle base. The second mounting structure is adapted to be engaged by the associated hinge arm. A breakaway latch is connected to the base and includes a cam follower engaged with the cam edge. The breakaway latch further includes a spring that biases the cam follower into abutment with the cam edge. The breakaway lever is selectively movable from a first position where the cam follower is engaged with a first location on the cam edge to a second position where the cam follower is engaged with a second location on the cam edge.