Motor-Assisted Spring Hinge for Low-Power Autonomous Door Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven hinges for doors covering compartments in household appliances are bulky, expensive, and consume high power, making them difficult to couple with pre-existing hinges and posing challenges in manual operation and power failure scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design incorporating elastic means to impose a predefined law of motion, combined with controlled motor means that apply a push or pull force, allowing for efficient operation with lower power consumption and ease of manual control, and can be easily coupled with existing hinges by using a motion-guide bar to transmit axial forces without stressing the hinge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motor means are sized to fully open and close the door independently, then the door can operate autonomously, but the motor becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The door movement function is segmented between passive elastic means (spring) that provide the main opening/closing force and active motor means that only provide aiding force. This segmentation allows the motor to be smaller and less expensive while the spring handles the bulk of the work.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as a counterweight system, storing potential energy when the door is closed and releasing it to assist opening. The motor works alongside this counterweight system rather than replacing it, reducing the motor's burden and size requirements.
2Extent of automation
If a traditional hinge is replaced by an electric motor, then autonomous operation is achieved, but manual operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is designed to serve multiple functions: the spring provides both manual operation assistance and autonomous operation support, while the motor provides aiding force in both manual and automated modes. This multi-functionality ensures neither mode sacrifices ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary between the motor and the door, providing a mechanical assistance layer that works whether the motor is active or not. This intermediary ensures continuous ease of operation regardless of automation mode.
3Extent of automation
If motor means are used to fully open and close the door, then complete automation is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor performs only partial action, providing aiding force rather than complete force for door operation. The spring handles the excessive action of full opening/closing, allowing the motor to consume less energy while maintaining automation capability.
4Extent of automation
If pre-existing hinges are replaced with motor-driven hinges, then automation is achieved, but compatibility with existing structures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the traditional hinge structure (including spring and pivot) with a supplemental motor assembly. This combination allows the new automated hinge to be coupled with pre-existing hinge structures, maintaining compatibility while adding automation capability.
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 results in a compact, cost-effective hinge that can operate during power failures and malfunctions, reducing power consumption and allowing for easy integration with pre-existing hinges, while maintaining efficient door opening and closing functionality.
Implementation Method 1
means to impose a predefined law of motion to the mobile support with respect to the fixed support during opening and/or closing of said door, constituted by elastic means operatively interposed between the fixed support and the mobile support
Implementation Method 2
controlled motor means for aiding opening and/or closing of the door. Said controlled motor means apply a push and/or a pull force onto the mobile support with respect to the fixed support
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Hinge (1) for a door which covers at least in part a compartment, of the type comprising a fixed support (2) coupled to the compartment frame, and a mobile support (3) coupled to the door, wherein such mobile and fixed supports are at least rotatably constrained one to the other. The hinge also comprises means to impose a predefined law of motion to the mobile support with respect to the fixed support during opening and/or closing of the door and controlled motor means (5) for aiding opening and/or closing of the door applying a push and/or a pull force onto said mobile support with respect to the fixed one.