Constrained 4-Bar Laundry Door Hinge to Prevent Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry machine hinges, particularly in dryers, face issues with aesthetics and functionality due to the need for protrusions, cutouts, or spring mechanisms, which lead to binding problems and mismatched kinematics between washers and dryers, and do not allow for adequate space for double pivot hinges.
Innovation Solution
A constrained kinematic hinge with a 4-bar linkage design that eliminates binding by controlling pivot sequence and allows for exterior mounting, enabling simpler manufacturing and compatibility with both washers and dryers without weakening the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a double-pivot hinge is used, then the door can rotate without protruding forward, but binding occurs between the door and surrounding front panel due to incorrect sequencing of the two pivots
Solution Approach 1:
A control linkage is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the two pivots. This control linkage includes a control arm pivotally connected to the door bracket and front panel bracket, which mediates the motion between pivots to ensure correct sequencing and prevent binding between the door and surrounding front panel.
2Reliability
If a constrained kinematic hinge with control linkage is used, then pivot sequencing is controlled and binding is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into distinct functional components: a door bracket, a front panel bracket, a primary arm providing pivotal motion, and a control linkage providing constrained motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the complex mechanism more manageable and easier to manufacture.
3Volume of stationary object
If a single pivot hinge is used on dryers, then adequate space is available for the drum size, but the kinematics and aesthetics mismatch with washer door hinges
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge design achieves universality by creating a multi-functional mechanism that can be adapted to both washers and dryers. The combination of a primary arm for pivotal motion and a control linkage for constrained motion provides the necessary adaptability to accommodate different drum sizes while maintaining consistent kinematics and aesthetics across both appliance types.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry machine having a front panel defining a front face with an opening therein. A pivotally attached door is arranged to selectively close the opening. The front panel has a relatively flat surface surrounding and defining the opening and has a generally annular shape. A wall projects substantially at a right angle to the flat annular surface. A hinge includes a front panel bracket secured to the wall of the front panel, a door bracket secured to the door of the laundry machine, a primary arm pivotally attached to the front panel bracket to rotate relative thereto about a first axis and pivotally attached to the door bracket to rotate relative thereto about a second axis, and a control arm pivotally attached to the front panel bracket to rotate relative thereto about a third axis and pivotally attached to the door bracket to rotate relative thereto about a fourth axis. The hinge components may extend into an interior of the door through an opening in a side of the door, leaving a rear face of the door unbroken.