Hinge Element Non-Detachable Connection for Appliance Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge elements for large household appliances lack precision and durability, leading to potential deformation and wear issues under high force conditions, and require complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A hinge element with a non-detachable connection between a rigid main body and a functional body, where the main body and functional body are made of different materials, providing precise positioning and preventing movement during operation, and can be manufactured using adhesive or injection molding for enhanced stability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a detachable connection is used between main body and functional body, then assembly flexibility is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the main body and functional body into a single integrated component through non-detachable connection methods (adhesive bonding or injection molding), eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and ensuring precise positioning is maintained throughout the entire hinge element structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional body is pre-positioned with high precision relative to the main body during the manufacturing process (via adhesive bonding or injection molding), establishing the correct spatial relationship before the hinge element is assembled into the appliance, thereby ensuring precision without requiring complex assembly procedures.
2Ease of repair
If separate bearing pin and bearing bush components are used, then replaceability is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pin and bearing bush are integrated into a single functional body component, eliminating the need for separate connection elements and ensuring stable, wear-resistant contact between the hinge element and the door while maintaining replaceability of the entire hinge assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex assembly procedures are used to ensure precision, then positioning precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (structural support, positioning, and connection) into a single integrated hinge element structure, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures while maintaining high positioning precision through the inherent design of the merged components.
Solution Approach 2:
Precise positioning is achieved during the initial manufacturing process (via adhesive bonding or injection molding) rather than during assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by establishing accurate spatial relationships before the hinge element is installed in the appliance.
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 high precision and durability by maintaining precise positioning over long usage times, simplifying manufacturing and assembly, and preventing wear and tear, while allowing for direct force transmission and reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
The functional body (21) is embodied as a bearing pin (28) and is non-detachably fastened to the main body (20), in particular embodied as an inherently rigid component. The non-detachable connection can be based on a material-bonded connection, in particular a glue connection.
Implementation Method 2
The functional body (21) can be formed by injection molding the main body (20), in particular at least in sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge element for a large domestic appliance contains a main body as well as a functional body which includes a plastic material. Accordingly, the main body and the functional body are connected to one another non-releasably. Ideally, a large domestic appliance, in particular a large domestic refrigerator, contains a housing in which a receiving space is formed. The domestic appliance has a closure element by which the receiving space can be closed, and the hinge element hingedly attaches the closure element to the housing.