Insulated Glass Door Hinge Assembly With Rotating Power Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door hinge assemblies fail to efficiently deliver electrical power to electrical appliances, such as light fixtures and heating films, integrated within insulated glass units, particularly in refrigerated cabinets, due to limitations in electrical connectivity and wear resistance during repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with integrated electrical contact means in both the housing and post member, allowing for secure and continuous power delivery to appliances within the door, featuring various embodiments to minimize wear and ensure reliable contact, including DC Power Jacks, barrels with upstanding leads, and conductive barrels with sleeve bearings, which maintain contact during rotation and vertical motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contact means are integrated into the hinge assembly, then reliable power delivery to appliances is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical contact function with the hinge assembly structure by integrating contact means into both the housing and post member. This merging approach delivers electrical power reliably to appliances while incorporating the electrical function within the existing mechanical hinge framework, thereby managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical support and rotation of the door, delivery of electrical power to appliances, and maintenance of electrical contact during movement. The electrical contact means in both the housing and post member enable the hinge to serve as both a mechanical pivot and an electrical power transmission pathway, achieving multi-functionality that reduces the need for separate electrical connection mechanisms.
2Reliability
If electrical contact means are fixed in the post member, then power delivery is reliable, but wear increases during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical contact mechanism where contact means are provided in both the housing and the post member. This intermediary arrangement distributes the electrical contact function across two components rather than relying on a single fixed contact point, thereby maintaining reliable power delivery while reducing wear on any single contact surface during repeated rotation and movement cycles.
3Ease of operation
If the post member rotates freely, then door operation is smooth, but electrical contact wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic electrical contact means in the post member that can rotate with the post while maintaining electrical connection. This dynamic arrangement allows the door to rotate smoothly without restricting movement, while the electrical contact means are designed to accommodate the rotation through mechanisms such as rotary joints or flexible connections, thereby maintaining contact integrity despite the dynamic motion.
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
Ensures reliable and continuous electrical power supply to appliances within the door, reducing wear and maintaining contact integrity during repeated opening and closing cycles, thus supporting the operation of light fixtures and heating elements within insulated glass units.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical contact means mounted within the housing for connection to a source of electrical power in the cabinet and a second electrical contact means disposed in the post in electrical contact with the first contact means for connection to the electrical appliance in the door
Data Source
AI summary
The hinge assembly comprises a housing for mounting on a cabinet and a post member for mounting on a door and for rotation relative to the housing. A first electrical contact is mounted within the housing for connection to a source of electrical power in the cabinet and a second electrical contact is disposed in the post in electrical contact with the first contact for connection to an electrical appliance in the door. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts rotate relative to each other as the post member pivots on the housing while in other embodiments; the electrical contacts remain stationary relative to each other as the post member pivots on the housing.