Linear hinge assembly for appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator appliances with single pivoting hinges often cause interference and wear between the door and adjacent cabinetry, leading to rubbing and gasket wear due to the fixed pivot axis, which affects the flush mounting and appearance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a linear hinge assembly that allows the door to translate away from the cabinet as it rotates, using a bearing assembly with an elongated shaft and multiple pivot axes to minimize interference and reduce gasket scraping, enabling a flush mount design without protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single pivoting hinge is used, then the door can rotate to provide access, but the door rubs against adjacent cabinetry causing wear and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly transitions the door movement from a single rotational axis to a combination of linear translation and rotation. The elongated shaft with multiple pivot axes allows the door to move along a path that separates it from adjacent cabinetry during opening/closing, eliminating rubbing while maintaining operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly uses multiple pivot axes distributed along an elongated shaft, allowing the door to dynamically adjust its movement path. This dynamic multi-axis rotation enables the door to clear adjacent cabinetry during operation while maintaining smooth rotational movement for user access
2Shape
If the door is designed for flush mounting, then the appearance is improved and protrusion is minimized, but the door contacts adjacent cabinetry more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated shaft with multiple pivot axes enables the door to translate linearly away from the cabinet body during opening/closing. This dimensional change in movement path allows the door to maintain a flush mounted appearance when closed while clearing adjacent cabinetry during operation, eliminating contact despite the flush design
3Productivity
If repeated door opening and closing is performed, then access is provided, but gasket rub and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple pivot axes distributed along the elongated shaft create a dynamic movement path that separates the door from adjacent surfaces during operation. This dynamic multi-axis rotation reduces friction and rubbing on the gasket during repeated opening/closing cycles, maintaining reliability while enabling frequent access
Solution Approach 2:
By adding linear translation movement along the elongated shaft to the traditional rotational movement, the door follows a separated path during operation. This dimensional change in movement trajectory minimizes contact and rubbing between the gasket and adjacent cabinetry, reducing wear during frequent use
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 linear hinge assembly effectively reduces contact between the refrigerator door and adjacent cabinetry, maintaining a flush appearance while minimizing wear and interference, thus enhancing the appliance's integration with kitchen cabinetry.
Implementation Method 1
The linear hinge assembly includes a bearing assembly with an elongated shaft and multiple pivot axes... effectively reduces contact between the refrigerator door and adjacent cabinetry... minimizing wear and interference
Data Source
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AI summary
A domestic appliance may include a cabinet, a door, and a linear hinge coupling the door to the cabinet. The linear hinge may include a bearing assembly, an elongated shaft, a door linkage, and a cabinet linkage. The bearing assembly may be mounted to the cabinet. The elongated shaft may be received within the bearing assembly and slidable along a translation axis on the bearing assembly. The elongated shaft may define a first shaft pivot axis perpendicular to the translation axis and a second shaft pivot axis parallel to the first shaft pivot axis. The door linkage may couple the door to the elongated shaft. The door linkage may be pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the first shaft pivot axis. The cabinet linkage may couple the cabinet to the elongated shaft. The cabinet linkage may be pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the second shaft pivot axis.