Hinge bracket assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge bracket assemblies for appliances lack efficient and easy installation methods, requiring complex assembly processes and multiple fasteners, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A hinge bracket assembly featuring an appliance wrapper with defined receiving spaces for an anchor plate and hinge plate, along with a locking arm that rotates between unlocked and locked positions, allowing for alignment and secure coupling without screws, facilitating faster and more efficient installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hinge bracket assemblies use multiple fasteners and complex assembly processes, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated hinge bracket assembly. The bracket integrates the mounting plate, hinge mechanism, and fastening elements into one unified component that can be installed as a single unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners and assembly steps while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge bracket is pre-assembled and pre-configured during manufacturing with all necessary components positioned and secured. The bracket arrives at the installation site as a ready-to-install unit with pre-positioned mounting holes, pre-attached hinge elements, and pre-configured adjustment mechanisms, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of multiple parts
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional hinge bracket assemblies require multiple fasteners, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated hinge bracket assembly. The mounting plate, hinge mechanism, and fastening elements are combined into one unified component that provides all necessary structural support and connection functions through its integrated design, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mounting, hinging, fastening, and adjustment functions. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple roles that traditionally required separate parts, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge bracket assembly includes an appliance wrapper defining a first receiving space extending in a first direction, a second receiving space extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a third receiving space extending in a third direction oriented at an acute angle relative to the first direction. An anchor plate is engaged with the appliance wrapper and includes a retention member received by the first receiving space, a first flange received by the second receiving space, and a second flange received by the third receiving space. A hinge plate is coupled with the anchor plate and includes a protrusion received by a slot defined by the retention member. The appliance wrapper is positioned between the anchor and hinge plates. A locking arm is selectively engaged with the anchor and hinge plates and is rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position.