Motorized Oven Door Hinge With Lead Screw Actuation and Clutch Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oven door systems require manual operation, which can be unsafe and inefficient, and there is a need for a power-operated system that is safe, reliable, and cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A motorized hinge system for an oven door that includes a first hinge portion connected to the door and a second hinge portion connected to the oven body, with a door control arm and a motor-driven actuator that pivots the door between open and closed positions in response to user input, incorporating safety features and a clutch mechanism to prevent damage or injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized hinge system is implemented to enable automatic door operation, then ease of operation and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is integrated directly into the hinge structure, combining the actuation mechanism with the pivot point. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuation linkages and reduces the number of components, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the pivot point for door rotation, houses the motor for automated actuation, and includes the actuator mechanism for controlled movement. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems, improving operational ease without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If a motorized hinge system with actuator is used to enable automatic door operation, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized hinge system is divided into distinct functional modules: the motor assembly, the actuator mechanism, and the hinge portions. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of each module, simplifying production and maintenance while enabling efficient automated door operation
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that converts motor rotation into the linear or angular motion required to pivot the door. This intermediary component enables efficient automated operation while allowing the motor to be positioned in a space-efficient manner within the hinge structure
3Ease of operation
If the actuator is designed to move in both first and second directions to control door opening and closing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with dynamic reversibility, allowing it to switch between two directions of motion to control both door opening and closing. This dynamic capability is achieved through a relatively simple mechanism that can reverse its action, providing ease of operation without requiring complex multi-component systems for bidirectional control
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 system provides safe, reliable, and efficient automatic operation of the oven door, allowing users to open and close it with minimal effort while ensuring safety and reducing the risk of accidents or damage.
Implementation Method 1
a motor adapted to be connected to the associated oven body, the motor including an actuator that is driven by the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized hinge system for an oven door includes first and second hinge assemblies. At least one hinge assembly is motorized. In the motorized hinge assembly, a first hinge portion is connected to the oven door and a second hinge portion connected to the oven body. A door control arm has first end connected to the first hinge portion and a second end spaced from the first end. A motor is connected to the oven body and includes an actuator that is driven by the motor. The actuator is operably coupled to the door control arm and is movable in first and second directions by the motor to move the door control arm and door in corresponding first and second directions pivotally relative to the second hinge portion. In one example, the actuator is a lead screw type actuator. A non-motorized hinge assembly is also used together with the motorized hinge assembly to connect the oven door to the body. The non-motorized hinge assembly is spring-biased to urge the door toward its closed position.