Laundry Dryer Access Panel Hinge for Easy Air Circuit Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers require users to perform multiple and complex operations to access the drying air circuit for cleaning, leading to potential forgetfulness and incorrect reinstallation of the inner panel, complicating both user maintenance and industrial assembly.
Innovation Solution
A simplified door structure with a pivotally mounted panel that can be easily removed and reinstalled without tools, featuring a staggered pattern of elastically deformable wings and a locking device for secure alignment and sealing, allowing access to the drying air circuit while minimizing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hinged door with removable inner panel is used, then access to the drying air circuit is provided, but the complexity of assembling and disassembling operations increases and users may forget to reinstall the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into an outer hinged door and an inner panel, allowing independent access to the drying air circuit. The inner panel can be removed separately from the outer door, enabling users to access operational devices without removing the entire door assembly, thus reducing the complexity of assembling operations while maintaining ease of access.
2Reliability
If multiple locks and supports are provided for the inner panel, then secure mounting is achieved, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge supporting portion integrates multiple functions into a single component structure. It combines the hinge mechanism with supporting wings that provide both structural support and locking functionality. The first and second wings work together as an integrated system to secure the panel, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining secure mounting through the cooperative action of the wings and hinge.
3Reliability
If the inner panel is tightly associated with the port, then drying air leakage is prevented, but the panel becomes difficult to remove and reinstall
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the inner panel and port is made dynamic through the hinge mechanism. The hinge allowing the panel to pivot between a closed position (providing tight sealing) and an opened position (allowing easy removal and reinstallation). The elastic deformability of the wings adds another layer of dynamic connection, enabling the panel to be firmly held when closed but easily removed when needed, thus balancing sealing reliability with operational ease.
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 the panel remains securely attached or easily removable, reducing the risk of user error and simplifying maintenance, while also reducing the number of components needed for assembly, thus enhancing user convenience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge supporting portion comprises first wings arranged on a first line and spaced apart from one another and second wings arranged on a second line and spaced apart from one another, wherein said first and second wings are elastically deformable
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a laundry dryer having an improved operational device inspection port. A laundry dryer according to the invention comprises a casing (1) accommodating therein a drying air circuit and a basement (8) for supporting operational devices for carrying out a drying treatment on laundry, said casing (1) being provided with a drying air circuit access opening (10) which is closable by a door arrangement (9). Said laundry dryer is characterized in that said door arrangement (9) comprises a panel (14) having a hinge-like edge region (19) that can be removably received in a hinge supporting portion (18) integrally formed on said basement (8).