Rotating Locking Hinge Bracket for Tool-Free Secure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge bracket systems for appliances, such as refrigerators, often require complex assembly and may not provide secure coupling between the hinge plate and anchor plate, leading to instability and difficulty in tool-free disassembly and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A hinge bracket assembly featuring an anchor plate with a retention member, a hinge plate with a protrusion and receiving aperture, and a locking arm that rotates between unlocked and locked positions, allowing secure coupling and easy installation without screws or fasteners, facilitating tool-free assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing hinge bracket systems use complex assembly structures, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge bracket system is divided into distinct functional components: an anchor plate with retention member, a hinge plate with locking arm, and receiving apertures. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process, as parts can be manufactured independently and assembled through straightforward insertion and locking motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed to rotate between locked and unlocked positions, providing dynamic functionality. This rotational movement enables the hinge bracket to transition between secured and disassembled states without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, thereby maintaining structural stability while simplifying assembly and disassembly operations.
2Strength
If existing hinge bracket systems use traditional fastening methods, then secure coupling is achieved, but tool-free disassembly and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is designed to engage with the retention member and protrusion through its own rotational motion, creating a self-securing mechanism. When the locking arm rotates to the locked position, it automatically secures the hinge plate to the anchor plate without requiring external fasteners or tools. Conversely, rotating the locking arm to the unlocked position enables tool-free disassembly, as the components can be separated by simply reversing the locking motion.
3Device complexity
If existing hinge bracket systems lack locking mechanisms, then assembly simplicity is maintained, but coupling security and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the simplicity of insertion and the security of coupling. The anchor plate's retention member and the hinge plate's protrusion provide fixed reference points, while the locking arm rotates to engage these features, creating a secure mechanical interlock. This intermediary component adds minimal complexity while significantly enhancing coupling security through its rotational locking action.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A hinge bracket assembly (10) includes an anchor plate (14). A retention member (18) extends perpendicular to the anchor plate (14). The anchor plate (14) defines a first receiving aperture (22). A hinge plate (26) is aligned with the anchor plate (14) and includes a hinge arm (30) and a protrusion (34). The protrusion (34) extends from an edge (38) of the hinge plate (26) opposite the hinge arm (30). The hinge plate (26) defines a second receiving aperture (42) aligned with the first receiving aperture (22) when the protrusion (34) is received by a space defined by the retention member (18). A locking arm (50) is rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position and is configured to be at least partially received by the first and second receiving apertures (22, 42) to couple the anchor plate (14) and the hinge plate (26).