Kitchen Appliance Lid Hinge Mechanism for Unobstructed Chamber Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances with pivot-based lid mechanisms often obstruct access to the chamber, especially when users need to manually access the interior for cleaning, as the lid's swivel motion partially blocks the opening.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a system of pivots and arms that allows the lid to swivel and tilt away from the chamber, featuring a torsion spring for automatic opening and a sliding arrangement to prevent the lid from catching, ensuring smooth and unobstructed access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple pivot mechanism is used to attach the lid to the wall arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lid obstructs access to the chamber when opened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple segments: a first arm with first and second terminal portions, and a second arm with first and second terminal portions. These segmented arms are connected through pivots, allowing the lid to move through a complex trajectory that clears the chamber opening while maintaining manageable individual component sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism transitions the lid from a simple rotational motion in one dimension to a compound motion involving multiple dimensions. The first arm rotates about a first pivot, while the second arm rotates about a second pivot, creating a multi-dimensional motion path that enables the lid to clear the chamber opening effectively.
2Ease of operation
If a multi-component hinge mechanism is used to clear the chamber opening, then access to the chamber is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism merges the functions of multiple arms and pivots into a single integrated system. The first arm and second arm work together through their respective pivots to achieve the lid's clearance motion, combining multiple mechanical elements into a coordinated mechanism that clears the chamber opening while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to automatically guide the lid through the correct motion trajectory to clear the chamber opening without requiring external control or adjustment. The geometric arrangement of the arms and pivots self-regulates the lid's path, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is allowed to swivel freely away from the chamber, then access to the chamber is improved, but the lid may catch on the wall arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The second arm acts as an intermediary between the first arm and the lid. It includes a sliding arrangement that interfaces with the first arm, mediating the transfer of motion and preventing direct contact between the lid and wall arrangement that would cause catching. This intermediary component ensures smooth transitions throughout the opening motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism employs dynamic motion control through the coordinated rotation of multiple arms and pivots. The sliding arrangement within the second arm dynamically adjusts the lid's trajectory during opening, ensuring the lid clears the wall arrangement smoothly without catching, while maintaining controlled and predictable motion throughout the range of movement.
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
Provides improved access to the chamber by allowing the lid to be fully opened without obstruction, facilitating easier cleaning and maintenance while maintaining a clean design.
Implementation Method 1
the first pivot comprises a torsion spring arranged to force the lid from the chamber upon release of the lid from the wall arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
A kitchen appliance (10) is disclosed comprising a chamber (12) delimited by a wall arrangement (14) and a lid (80) for sealing said chamber. The lid is attached to the wall arrangement through a hinge mechanism comprising an arm (20) having a first terminal portion (22) through a first pivot (30) proximal to a first end portion (82) of the lid and an opposing second terminal portion (24) attached to an intermediate portion of the lid through a second pivot (40); and a further arm (50) having a first further terminal portion (52) attached to an intermediate portion (26) of the arm (20) in between the first terminal portion (22) and the second terminal portion (24) through a third pivot (60) and a second further terminal portion (54) terminating in a sliding arrangement (70) on the lid in between the second pivot and the first end portion of the lid.