Hinge bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge bracket systems for appliances, such as refrigerators, face challenges in efficient and tool-free assembly and disassembly of door hinges, which can be cumbersome and require complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A hinge bracket assembly comprising an anchor plate, a hinge plate with a protrusion, and a locking arm that is rotatable between unlocked and locked positions, allowing for secure coupling and easy installation without the need for screws or fasteners, utilizing a retention member and wrapper to facilitate alignment and clamping pressure for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hinge bracket systems use screws or fasteners for assembly, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge bracket system is divided into separate modular components: the anchor plate with retention member, the hinge plate with protrusion, and the locking arm. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled through simple insertion and rotation movements, eliminating the need for complex fastening operations with screws or multiple fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member and protrusion are designed to automatically engage and secure the hinge plate to the anchor plate through the natural insertion motion. The locking arm provides automatic locking through its rotatable mechanism that engages with the hinge plate, creating a self-securing assembly process that does not require external fasteners or complex assembly tools.
2Strength
If traditional hinge bracket systems use multiple fasteners for secure attachment, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member and locking arm are integrated into a unified hinge bracket assembly system where the retention member provides initial retention and the locking arm provides secure locking. This merging of functions into a coordinated mechanism achieves strong connections with fewer discrete fastening components, reducing the overall number of parts required compared to traditional multi-screw systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion on the hinge plate acts as an intermediary element that engages with the retention member and locking arm mechanisms. This intermediary feature enables the transmission of mechanical forces and the achievement of secure attachment through the rotatable locking mechanism, replacing the need for multiple traditional fasteners while maintaining connection strength.
3Reliability
If hinge plate installation requires extensive fastening procedures, then the attachment is secure, but the installation time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is pre-configured on the anchor plate with the slot and positioning features ready to receive the protrusion. The locking arm is pre-positioned to engage with the hinge plate during insertion. This preliminary preparation of the fastening mechanisms allows the hinge plate to be quickly attached through a single insertion and rotation motion, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment through the pre-engineered engagement features.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A hinge bracket assembly (10) includes an anchor plate (14). A retention member (18) extends perpendicular to the anchor plate (14). The anchor plate (14) defines a first receiving aperture (22). A hinge plate (26) is aligned with the anchor plate (14) and includes a hinge arm (30) and a protrusion (34). The protrusion (34) extends from an edge (38) of the hinge plate (26) opposite the hinge arm (30). The hinge plate (26) defines a second receiving aperture (42) aligned with the first receiving aperture (22) when the protrusion (34) is received by a space defined by the retention member (18). A locking arm (50) is rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position and is configured to be at least partially received by the first and second receiving apertures (22, 42) to couple the anchor plate (14) and the hinge plate (26).