Multi-link door hinge

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Solution Overview

Problem

As built-in home appliances, such as refrigerators, become larger, the increased size of their doors limits the installation space due to the larger range of door rotation, and there is a need for a hinge technology that reduces the rotating space and facilitates easy door closure while providing shock-absorbing performance.

Innovation Solution

A multi-link door hinge system comprising a main frame, door frame, body frame, inner and outer links, a plate spring link, a locking piece with an elastic member, and a hook that assists in door closure by transmitting a pushing force from the elastic member to the body frame, ensuring the door can be easily closed and absorbs shocks during the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the door size is increased to accommodate larger home appliances, then the storage capacity and functionality are improved, but the installation space is reduced due to the larger range of door rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor sizeVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is divided into multiple links (first link, second link, third link, fourth link) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the door to follow a more compact rotation path, reducing the overall installation space required while maintaining the ability to support large door sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-link hinge mechanism changes the rotation path from a simple arc to a more complex multi-dimensional trajectory. By introducing intermediate rotation joints, the door can achieve its opening motion through multiple smaller rotations rather than one large rotation, thereby reducing the space required in the installation area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional hinge is used for large doors, then the door can be opened and closed, but the closing action is difficult and requires significant user force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor closure easeVSAvoidclosing force required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is pre-loaded to store elastic energy that is released during door closure. This preliminary energy storage in the elastic member provides the pushing force needed to assist door closure, reducing the force required from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member automatically provides the pushing force during door closure without requiring external assistance or additional user effort. The hinge mechanism itself generates the closing assistance through the elastic deformation and recovery of the elastic member, making the system self-servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the door closes quickly due to its weight and size, then the closure is efficient, but shock and impact damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure speedVSAvoidshock and impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is positioned and pre-loaded to provide cushioning force just before and during the door closure impact. This beforehand cushioning absorbs the shock and impact energy, preventing damage to the door and hinge mechanism while maintaining efficient closure speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member converts the harmful impact energy from quick door closure into beneficial elastic deformation. By allowing the elastic member to deform under impact, the harmful shock energy is absorbed and dissipated, while the elastic recovery provides useful closing force, transforming the harmful impact into a beneficial cushioning effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 multi-link door hinge facilitates door closure, enhances user convenience, ensures the door remains closed, and improves durability by reducing the required installation space and absorbing shocks during closure.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member, a first side of which is provided in the inner link and a second side of which is rotatably combined with a first side of the locking piece to provide a pushing force to the locking piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11162287B2Multi-link door hinge

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 SEO WON KOREA

AI summary

A multi-link door hinge capable of facilitating the closing of a door and implementing the shock-absorbing performance of the door during the closing thereof. To this end, the multi-link door hinge includes: a main frame mounted to a main body of an object having a door; a door frame mounted to the door; a body frame rotatably connected to a first side of the main frame; an inner link and an outer link connecting the door frame to the body frame; a plate spring link allowing the outer link to be rotatably connected to the main frame; a locking piece rotatably mounted between side walls of the inner link; an elastic member; and a hook, a first side of which is fixed in the body frame and a second side of which is configured to be held in a second side of the locking piece.