Motorized hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized hinges for household appliance doors, such as oven compartments, require large and expensive motors with high energy consumption, and can malfunction or get stuck without electric power, leading to difficulties in opening and closing the door, which can result in food being overcooked or burnt.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a fastening bracket, a movable support, an activating arm, and reversible connecting means that allow the electric motor to be selectively coupled and decoupled from the activating arm, enabling manual movement of the door and reducing motor size and energy consumption, with elastic means to assist in closing the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large electric motor is used to fully move the door autonomously between open and closed positions, then the door can be moved reliably, but the motor size, cost, and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system dynamically switches between motorized operation (when coupling means are engaged) and manual operation (when coupling means are disengaged). This allows the system to adapt its power source based on operational needs, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability when motorized assistance is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge allows manual operation of the door when the coupling means are disengaged, enabling the door to be moved without motor assistance. This self-service capability reduces energy consumption by allowing users to manually open/close the door when motorized operation is not needed, while still providing motorized assistance when required for reliability.
2Extent of automation
If the motor is always coupled to the activating arm, then the door can be moved autonomously, but the system cannot be manually operated and may get stuck during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the motor and activating arm is made dynamic rather than fixed. The coupling means can be selectively engaged or disengaged, allowing the system to switch between automated motorized operation and manual operation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both autonomous operation when needed and manual operation when the motor is disengaged or fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge system is segmented into motorized and manual operational modes through the coupling means. This segmentation allows independent operation of each mode - the motor can drive the door when coupled, while the door can also be manually operated when the coupling is disengaged, providing flexibility and preventing complete system lockup.
3Force
If a large motor is used to counteract elastic means, then the door can be moved from closed to open position, but the motor becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the force requirements. When the coupling means are engaged, the motor provides the necessary force to counteract elastic means. When disengaged, manual force is applied directly. This dynamic switching allows the use of a smaller, less expensive motor that only needs to provide force when actually coupled, rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows manual application of force to counteract elastic means when the motor is disengaged. This self-service capability eliminates the need for an oversized motor that would be required to continuously counteract the elastic means, as users can manually provide the necessary force when needed.
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 allows for efficient, energy-saving motor operation, ensures the door can be freely moved even without electric power, and prevents food damage by enabling manual operation and reduced motor size, addressing the issues of high energy consumption and potential malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
movement means (6) suitable for moving the activating arm (5) between an open position of the door (40) and a closed position of the door (40)... comprising an electric motor (10)
Implementation Method 2
elastic means (35) for assisting in closing the door (40)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A hinge (1) for connecting a door to a household appliance compartment is described, comprising a fastening bracket (2) suitable for being fastened to the compartment of said household appliance, a movable support (3) to rotatably constrain said door to said fastening bracket (2), an activating arm (5) coupled to said fastening bracket (2), movement means (6) suitable for moving said activating arm (5), said activating arm (5) comprising a first end portion (5a) suitable for being constrained to said door, and a second end portion (5b) suitable for being coupled to said movement means (6) to move said activating arm (5) between an open position (P2) and a closed position (P1) of the door, said movement means (6) comprising an electric motor (10) and reversible connecting means (9) to couple and decouple selectively said electric motor (10) to/from said second end portion (5b), said hinge (1) being configured so that when said electric motor (10) is coupled to said second end portion (5b), the electric motor (10) causes the movement of the activating arm (5), while when said electric motor (10) is decoupled from said second end portion (5b), the movement of the first end portion (5a) occurs independently of the electric motor (10) to allow a user to freely move the door.