Domestic Appliance Hinge With Neutral Coupling for Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance hinges with drive devices can hinder manual operation, as the motorized movement is often obstructive, making it difficult for users to easily open or close doors without mechanical assistance.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design that includes a coupling element with a neutral position, allowing the swivel arm and carriage to move independently of the drive device, enabling manual operation without interference from the motorized system, and a modular drive device that can be easily attached or detached for convenience and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drive device with motor and coupling elements is added to the hinge, then the functionality and automation capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device is designed as a modular unit with distinct components (motor, coupling element, carriage) that can function independently. The coupling element acts as a separate segment that can be engaged or disengaged without affecting the entire system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves multiple functions: it acts as a connector during motorized operation, a disconnector during manual operation, and a positioning element that defines the neutral position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
2Reliability
If the coupling element is always engaged with the carriage to enable motorized movement, then the motorized operation reliability is improved, but the ease of manual operation deteriorates due to mechanical obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element transitions from a static always-engaged state to a dynamic state where it can be positioned in either a coupled position (for reliable motorized movement) or a decoupled neutral position (for unobstructed manual operation). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either reliability or ease of manual operation based on the current operational mode.
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
Enables easy manual operation of household appliance doors, providing users with the choice to use either motorized or manual opening/closing, and simplifies assembly and maintenance by allowing the drive device to be detached without damaging the hinge.
Implementation Method 1
a drive device which comprises a motor and a coupling element which can be moved translationally relative to the housing by means of the motor
Implementation Method 2
The carriage can be moved translationally in at least one direction relative to the housing by means of the motor via the coupling element. As a result, a rotational movement of the swivel arm in the direction of at least one of the positions can be brought about.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge (10) for a household appliance, comprising a housing (12), a pivot arm (14) which is pivotably mounted on the housing (12) between at least a first position and at least a second position relative to the housing (12), a carriage (18) coupled to the pivot arm (14) and mounted on the housing (12) so as to be translationally movable relative to it, and a drive device (28) comprising a motor (30) and a coupling element (32) which is translationally movable relative to the housing (12) by means of the motor (30), and by means of which the carriage (18) is translationally movable in at least one direction relative to the housing (12) by means of the motor (30), thereby effecting a rotational movement of the pivot arm (14) in the direction of at least one of the positions, wherein the coupling element (32) is translationally movable relative to the housing (12) by means of the motor (30) into at least one neutral position.in which the swivel arm (14) and via this the carriage (18) are movable independently of the drive unit (28) relative to the housing (12) and relative to the drive unit (28).