Household Appliance Door Handle with Single-Cable Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional household appliance door mechanisms with double bracing cables are complex, prone to functional errors, and require a complicated assembly process for force transmission, which complicates the pivoting motion of the handle.
Innovation Solution
A door mechanism utilizing a single-run cable pull connected to a coupling rod with a return spring and a locking mechanism, ensuring precise and stable pivoting motion without wobbling, and allowing the handle to automatically return to its starting position when closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a double bracing cable guide is used for handle pivoting, then the handle can be pivoted relative to the base part, but the device complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of handle pivoting from the complex double bracing cable guide system and implements it using a single bracing cable connected to a coupling mechanism on the handle. This removes unnecessary components while preserving the core functionality of allowing the handle to pivot relative to the base part during door opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple cables and guides into a single bracing cable system with a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism integrates the pivoting function and force transmission into one unified structure, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If a double bracing cable guide is used for force transmission, then the handle pivoting is achieved, but the assembly complexity and susceptibility to functional errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex double cable guide system and replaces it with a single bracing cable and coupling mechanism. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces the susceptibility to functional errors while maintaining the required handle pivoting motion during door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple cables to achieve pivoting motion, the patent inverts the approach by using a single cable with a coupling mechanism that actively enables pivoting. This inverted approach simplifies the force transmission path and reduces potential failure points.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single-run cable pull is used with a coupling rod and locking mechanism, then the pivoting motion precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling mechanism on the handle that allows controlled movement and pivoting. The locking mechanism provides movement limitation only when necessary, allowing free pivoting motion during operation while preventing excessive movement or wobbling, thus achieving precision without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism changes the operational parameters of the handle by providing controlled degrees of freedom. The locking mechanism adjusts the movement constraints dynamically, allowing precise pivoting motion during door operation while maintaining structural integrity and preventing unwanted movements.
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 simplifies the door mechanism, enhances the precision and stability of the pivoting motion, reduces the risk of wobbling, and facilitates easy assembly, while eliminating the need for a complex double bracing cable guide, ensuring reliable and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
on which coupling rod a return spring is arranged
Implementation Method 2
return spring is arranged on the coupling rod, wherein the coupling rod is connected to a locking mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A door for a household appliance includes a plate-type base part and a handle which is arranged on the base part and includes a movable handle part. Connected to the handle part is a coupling apparatus which is configured to pivot the handle part relative to the base part as a function of a movement of the door. The coupling apparatus includes a coupling rod arranged on the handle part, a return spring arranged on the coupling rod, and a single-run cable pull having an end which faces the handle part and is connected to the coupling rod. Provision is further made for a locking mechanism to limit a movement of the coupling rod.