Dual-Spring Door Hinge with Hook Mechanism for Fast Balanced Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic appliance door opening systems are complex and slow, requiring strong springs and manual operation, with limited ability for rapid door rotation and often requiring additional handles or complex mechanisms for safety locking.
Innovation Solution
A door opening system with a hook mechanism and spring elements integrated into the appliance's structure, allowing for horizontal forces to facilitate fast door rotation, featuring a first spring for balance and a second spring for opening force, with a friction element for stopping at predetermined angles, enabling rapid and balanced door movement without the need for additional handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a strong spring is used to enable rapid door rotation from closed state, then door opening speed is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening system is divided into two distinct spring elements with different functions: the first spring element (balancing spring) handles door balancing and controlled opening, while the second spring element (opening spring) provides the force for rapid door rotation. This segmentation allows each spring to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while achieving fast door opening.
2Device complexity
If the hook mechanism is manually operated, then device complexity is reduced, but automation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hook mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be operated manually by the user, automatically by a control system, or by a mechanical actuator. This multi-functionality allows the same simple mechanical structure to adapt to different operational requirements without increasing device complexity, enabling both manual and automated door opening capabilities.
3Reliability
If door hinges and hook mechanism have complex structures, then door opening reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hook mechanism is extracted from the door structure and positioned separately on the door frame or appliance body. This separation allows the hook mechanism to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying production while maintaining reliable engagement with the door. The door itself can be manufactured separately with simpler hinge structures, improving overall ease of manufacture without compromising door opening reliability.
4Device complexity
If a single spring is used for door opening, then device complexity is reduced, but door balancing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is segmented into two functional components: the first spring element positioned to provide balancing force and control door movement, and the second spring element positioned to provide opening force. This segmentation enables the door to achieve both balance stability and opening capability with a relatively simple two-spring system, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving door control.
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 allows for simple, fast, and balanced door opening and closing with low complexity, enabling quick operation and safety locking without additional damping elements, suitable for both horizontal and vertical axis pivoting doors.
Implementation Method 1
the first spring element is provided for keeping the door balanced within an outer opening angular range of said door
Implementation Method 2
the second spring element is provided for generating the opening force for the door within the inner opening angular range
Implementation Method 3
a friction element for stopping at predetermined opening angles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a door opening system for a domestic appliance (10) including at least one pivoting door (12). The door opening system comprises at least one door hinge (14) and at least one hook mechanism (16). The hook mechanism (16) includes a hook element (26) engaged or engageable with a recess (28) in a closed state of said door (12), so that the hook element (26) and the recess (28) form a snap-in mechanism. The hook element (26) is disengaged or disengageable from the recess (28) by operating a control element or said hook element (26). The door hinge (14) includes a stationary hinge part (18) and a pivoting hinge part (20). The stationary hinge part (18) is provided for a support structure of the domestic appliance (10), while the pivoting hinge part (20) is provided for the pivoting door (12). The stationary hinge part (18) is arranged or arrangeable horizontally inside or at the support structure of the domestic appliance (10). The stationary hinge part (18) comprises a first spring element (22) and a second spring element (24) provided for generating horizontal forces in the mounted state of the door hinge (14) at the domestic appliance (10). The first spring element (22) is provided for keeping the door (12) balanced within an outer opening angular range of said door (12). The second spring element (24) is provided for generating an opening force for the door (12) within an inner opening angular range, so that the door (12) is pushed into a partially opened state. The inner opening angular range extends between a closed state and the partially opened state of the door (12). The outer opening angular range extends between the partially opened state and a completely opened state of the door (12).