Door hinge system for a pivotng door of a domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door hinge systems for domestic appliances, particularly cooking ovens, require user intervention for opening and closing, lacking an efficient mechanism for automatic operation while also not allowing for manual control when needed.
Innovation Solution
A door hinge system with a motor-driven pivoting mechanism that can be decoupled for manual operation, featuring a gearing system and spring elements for automatic and manual control, including automatic reversal if blocked, and remote control capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven pivoting mechanism is integrated into the door hinge system, then automatic opening and closing operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven pivoting mechanism is integrated directly into the door hinge system, merging the actuation function with the hinge structure. This combination enables automatic door operation while minimizing additional complexity by sharing structural elements between the hinge and motor mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The door hinge system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the mechanical pivoting connection, mounts the motor, transmits driving forces, and enables both automatic and manual operation modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If the motor is always coupled to the pivoting hinge part, then automatic operation is maintained, but manual operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the motor and pivoting hinge part is made dynamic rather than fixed. The motor can be selectively coupled or decoupled based on the desired operation mode, allowing the system to adapt between automatic and manual operation as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The door hinge system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the stationary hinge part, the pivoting hinge part, and the motor-driven pivoting mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control and selective engagement of the motor with the pivoting mechanism.
3Reliability
If the motor continues running when blocked, then the door remains in position, but the motor may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the operational state of the motor-driven pivoting mechanism and detects blocking conditions through feedback signals. When a blockage is detected, the control unit automatically reverses the pivoting direction to prevent motor damage while maintaining reliable door positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to detect potential blocking conditions before they cause motor damage. By monitoring motor current, temperature, or mechanical resistance, the system can preemptively reverse direction or reduce torque to protect the motor from overload damage.
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 comfortable and convenient automatic or manual operation of oven doors, ensuring safe operation by reversing the door if blocked and maintaining a sealed state with adjustable closing forces, enhancing user convenience and appliance functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (16) coupleable to and decoupleable from the pivoting hinge part (14)
Implementation Method 2
featuring a gearing system and spring elements for automatic and manual control
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a door hinge system (10) for a pivoting door (30) of a domestic appliance (20), in particular for a pivoting oven door (30) of a cooking oven (20). The door hinge system (10) comprises a stationary hinge part (12) arranged or arrangeable at or in a chassis of the domestic appliance (20). The door hinge system (10) comprises a pivoting hinge part (14) connected or connectable to the door (30). The door hinge system (10) comprises a driving device (16, 18, 22, 24) for driving the pivoting hinge part (14). The driving device includes at least one motor (16) coupleable to and decoupleable from the pivoting hinge part (14). The driving device (16, 18, 22, 24) is automatically controllable. The pivoting hinge part (14) is manually pivotable, if the motor (16) is decoupled from the pivoting hinge part (14).