Pivoting Door Connector Assembly for Appliance Hinge Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic appliance connector assemblies for electric components are often fragile, unattractive, and prone to interference with mechanical hinge assemblies, particularly in refrigerator appliances where a robust and unobtrusive connection is needed to maintain the appearance and functionality of the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A conductor assembly with a cabinet-side and door-side contact, connected by a pivotable plate arm that moves independently of the hinge assembly, ensuring a robust, attractive, and unobtrusive electrical connection between the cabinet and door, allowing for multi-point pivoting without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical wired connections are used to power electric components on the door, then power can be transmitted to the components, but the connections become fragile, unattractive, and may interfere with the mechanical hinge assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is segmented into multiple rigid plate arms that are distributed across the hinge assembly. Instead of using a single flexible wire, the connection is divided into separate conductive plates that are integrated into the hinge structure, improving durability while maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the door's range of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is merged with the mechanical hinge assembly. The rigid plate arms serve dual functions as both structural components of the hinge and as electrical conductors, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If wired connections are used for electric components on the door, then power transmission is enabled, but the connections may interfere with the mechanical hinge assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is made dynamic through the use of pivotable rigid plate arms that can rotate with the door movement. The plate arms are positioned and dimensioned to maintain electrical contact throughout the door's range of motion without constraining the hinge assembly's mechanical operation, enabling both power transmission and free door movement
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional wiring is used to connect door to cabinet, then electrical components can be powered, but the wiring becomes unattractive and visible
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductors are merged into the hinge assembly structure itself. The rigid plate arms that form part of the hinge mechanism also serve as electrical conductors, eliminating the need for visible external wiring and creating a clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining full electrical connectivity between door and cabinet
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 provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing electrical connection that maintains the mechanical integrity and appearance of the appliance, ensuring reliable operation and reduced risk of damage during door movement.
Implementation Method 1
The first plate arm may be pivotable about a first conductor axis relative to the CS contact and a second conductor axis relative to the DS contact
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic appliance may include a cabinet, a door, a hinge assembly, and a conductor assembly. The cabinet may define an internal chamber. The door may be movable relative to the cabinet between an open position and a closed position. The hinge assembly may rotatably secure the door to the cabinet. The conductor assembly may electrically connect the door to the cabinet. The conductor assembly may include a cabinet-side (CS) contact joined to the cabinet, a door-side (DS) contact joined to the door, and a first plate arm extending between the CS contact and the DS contact in electrical communication therewith. The first plate arm may be pivotable about a first conductor axis relative to the CS contact and a second conductor axis relative to the DS contact.