Dishwasher Panel Hinge With Rack-and-Gear Long Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices for dishwasher door panels in kitchen furniture have insufficient stroke length, limited design flexibility, and require complete redesign to change the panel movement or transmission ratio.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device with a first member fixed to the appliance and a second member fixed to the door, featuring a hinge pin, connection means for panel translation, and a kinematic system with a ring gear and racks to achieve a long reciprocating stroke, allowing easy adjustment of the transmission ratio and design freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If known hinges with leverages or gears are used to convert door rotary motion into panel translation, then the panel can be lifted during door rotation, but the panel stroke is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is divided into multiple independent components: a first rack fixed to the door, a second rack fixed to the panel, a ring gear mounted on kinematic means, and pivot pins. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall long stroke capability without requiring a completely complex redesigned mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from simple rotary motion conversion to a two-dimensional motion path by engaging both racks with the ring gear. The first rack converts door rotation to linear motion, while the second rack translates this motion to the panel along a different axis, creating a combined motion path that achieves longer stroke.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known hinges are used to lift the panel during door rotation, then interference with kitchen toe kick boards is avoided, but the shapes and proportions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device serves multiple functions: it lifts the panel to avoid interference, provides long reciprocating stroke, enables easy adjustment of transmission ratio, and allows design flexibility. The combination of two racks and a ring gear creates a universal mechanism that can accommodate various panel shapes, sizes, and furniture configurations without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission ratio can be dynamically adjusted by changing the position of the kinematic means along the second rack or by selecting different rack tooth configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hinge mechanism to work with different panel designs and furniture arrangements, enhancing versatility without increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If known hinges are used for panel translation, then the door can rotate between extreme conditions, but changing the panel movement or transmission ratio requires complete redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission ratio is made adjustable through the kinematic means that can be positioned at different locations along the second rack or configured with different gear ratios. This allows the same basic hinge structure to accommodate various transmission ratios and panel movements without requiring complete redesign, significantly improving adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing of transmission ratio parameters by modifying the gear configuration of the ring gear or the position of the kinematic means along the rack, rather than redesigning the entire hinge mechanism. This parameter-based adjustment approach enables flexibility in panel movement while keeping the manufacturing process simple and consistent.
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
Enables a maximum panel stroke of 9-10 cm with flexible design options and easy adjustment of the transmission ratio, preventing interference between the panel and kitchen elements during door opening and closing.
Implementation Method 1
said device comprises a ring gear (13) geared with a first rack (17) and engaged by a pinion (19) mounted at one end of a second rotation pin (21)
Data Source
AI summary
Hinge device (1) with long reciprocating stroke of a front panel (P) and having a first member (3) assigned to be fixed to an appliance (A) and a second member (5) assigned to be fixed to a door (D) of the appliance; the second member is pivoted to the first member by means of a hinge pin (7). A connection means (9) is assigned to be fixed to the front panel for actuating the translation thereof along the door during the rotation of the latter between its extreme closing (C) and opening (O) conditions. The hinge device includes kinematic means (11) having one end movable in the first member and an opposite end provided with a ring gear (13) centrally and rotatably pivoted to the second member or to an element fixed thereto, by means of a respective first pivot pin (15).