Cooking Appliance Cable Pull Door Mechanism to Prevent Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliance door mechanisms are prone to jamming and uncontrolled movements due to their mechanical design, which affects the reliability and smooth operation of automatic door actuation.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance design incorporating a cable pull device coupled with a motor, combined with a spring element and damping module, allows for controlled and smooth door movement by dividing the door's movement path between automatic and manual operation, preventing jamming and uncontrolled movements through a hydraulic brake unit and precise guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a cable pull device with a pliable cable and sliding block is used to move the door automatically, then the door can be actuated automatically, but the system becomes error-prone and prone to spreading or jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-pulley system with a rack and pinion mechanism. The pinion gear engages with the rack gear attached to the door, converting rotational motion from the motor into linear motion that moves the door. This gear-based system eliminates the flexibility issues of cables while maintaining automatic actuation capability, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a carriage as an intermediary component between the motor and the door. The carriage carries the rack gear and moves along guide channels, serving as a mediator that transfers motion from the motor-driven pinion to the door. This intermediary structure provides stable mechanical transmission while allowing for controlled movement and easy maintenance.
2Extent of automation
If the door movement path is fully automated with a drive unit, then automatic operation is achieved, but uncontrolled arrival in end position and jamming may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial automation where the drive unit with motor and pinion gear handles only a portion of the door movement path. The remaining movement is completed manually by the user. This partial automation approach prevents the drive unit from forcing the door into potentially problematic end positions, allowing user control to prevent jamming while still providing automated assistance for the main movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates guide channels that provide feedback through mechanical constraints. The carriage moves along these predefined guide channels, which ensure the door follows a controlled path. The guide structure provides passive feedback that prevents deviation from the intended movement path, reducing the risk of uncontrolled arrival and jamming.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid hinge bracket is used for door pivoting, then structural stability is achieved, but the system lacks flexibility and may jam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid fixed hinge with a dynamic hinge system that includes a hinge bracket, hinge arm, and damping module. The hinge arm can pivot relative to the hinge bracket, providing controlled movement flexibility. The damping module dynamically adjusts the hinge characteristics to prevent slamming while allowing smooth operation, thereby maintaining stability while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a damping module in the hinge mechanism that provides beforehand cushioning. This damping element is pre-configured to absorb and control the energy of door movement, preventing sudden impacts and jamming. The cushioning effect is built into the hinge structure to protect against uncontrolled movements before they can cause damage or jamming.
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 ensures reliable, non-jamming, and smooth automatic door operation by distributing the movement path between motor-driven and spring-assisted mechanisms, preventing uncontrolled arrivals and enhancing mechanical stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The drive unit has a cable pull device, which is coupled to the motor and the door. The movement of the door can be brought about as a function of a motorized actuation of the cable pull device.
Implementation Method 2
A cooking appliance design incorporating a cable pull device coupled with a motor, combined with a spring element and damping module
Implementation Method 3
A cooking appliance design incorporating a cable pull device coupled with a motor, combined with a spring element and damping module
Implementation Method 4
preventing jamming and uncontrolled movements through a hydraulic brake unit and precise guidance
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes a housing having a cooking chamber, and a door configured to close the cooking chamber. The door is arranged on the housing in a pivotable manner and capable of being lowered into a storage space in the housing. A drive unit automatically implements a movement of the door along a movement path. The drive unit includes a motor and a cable pull device, which is coupled to the motor and the door such that the movement of the door is implemented as a function of a motorized actuation of the cable pull device.