Appliance Hinge Pivot Axis Adjustment via Box Element Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for household appliances, such as ovens, require substantial redesign and costly re-manufacturing for minor adjustments in pivot axis position or dimensional changes, making them impractical and expensive to modify for aesthetic or material changes.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a box-shaped element with a U-shaped transverse cross-section and adjustable drawn portions on its bottom wall, allowing the pivot axis to be varied by changing the depth of these portions, which defines a flat supporting surface for precise positioning within the appliance frame, enabling easy adjustment and adaptation without full redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the pivot axis position is adjusted even by a few millimeters, then the aesthetic or functional requirements are met, but the hinge requires substantial redesign and replacement of moulds
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into two separate components: a box-shaped element and a lever, connected through a kinematic mechanism. This segmentation allows the box-shaped element to be independently adjusted or replaced without redesigning the entire hinge, enabling pivot position changes without substantial redesign of the complete assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge incorporates a kinematic mechanism that allows for adjustable and adaptable positioning. The system transitions from a fixed, rigid structure to a dynamic one where the pivot position can be modified through the interaction between the box-shaped element and lever, enabling adjustment without full redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dimensional modifications are made to adapt to different door materials or shapes, then compatibility is improved, but the entire hinge requires lengthy and expensive re-design
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the hinge into the box-shaped element and lever component, dimensional modifications can be applied selectively to the box-shaped element to accommodate different door materials or shapes, without requiring redesign of the entire hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The box-shaped element is designed to be universally adaptable through dimensional modifications, allowing the same basic hinge design to work with various door materials and shapes by simply adjusting the box-shaped element dimensions rather than redesigning the complete hinge.
3Manufacturing precision
If the box-shaped element size is changed to adjust pivot position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase due to mould replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The box-shaped element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be manufactured with precise dimensions using standard moulds. This segmentation allows precision positioning to be achieved through the box-shaped element's dimensions without requiring custom moulds for the entire hinge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot position is adjusted by changing the dimensional parameters of the box-shaped element rather than redesigning the entire hinge. This allows precision positioning to be achieved by modifying only one component's dimensions, maintaining manufacturing efficiency through existing moulds.
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 practical and cost-effective adjustment of the pivot axis and adaptation to different dimensions, reducing the need for extensive re-design and allowing compatibility with various appliance configurations, thus simplifying installation and use across different models.
Implementation Method 1
Elastic elements act on the above-mentioned lever which influence the movement of the door during both opening and closing
Implementation Method 2
The drawn portion is configured to define a flat supporting surface for the hinge located in a relative housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Described is a hinge for doors of household appliances, comprising a box-shaped element (6) extending longitudinally along a first predetermined direction (D1) and having a U-shaped transversal cross-section, a first lever (5) pivoted on the box-shaped element (6) by means of a pivot (7), one between the box-shaped element (6) and the first lever (5) being fixable to a frame (2) and the other being fixable to a door (3), to make the door (3) movable in a tilting fashion relative to the frame (2) between a closed position and an open position.