Hinge assembly for an appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine appliances with metal wire form hinges often collide with the backsplash and/or backsplash controls, necessitating an improved hinge assembly to prevent interference.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly constructed of polymer material, comprising a first hinge member fixedly secured to the cabinet and a second hinge member with a base and pin portion, allowing the cover member to rotate between open and closed positions while preventing collision with the backsplash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal wire form hinge is used for rotating the top lid, then the hinge provides structural strength and durability, but the lid collides with the backsplash and backsplash controls during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic metal wire form hinge from the system and replaces it with a polymer hinge assembly that has a different geometric configuration. The new hinge design removes the collision issue while maintaining the essential hinge function of allowing lid rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal wire form to polymer material, and alters the geometric parameters of the hinge assembly. This includes modifying the hinge member dimensions and configuration to change the lid's rotation path, thereby avoiding collision with the backsplash while maintaining structural adequacy through the polymer material's properties.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge assembly is designed to allow full lid rotation, then the lid can open completely for access, but the lid interferes with the backsplash and controls
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into multiple components (first hinge member, second hinge member, base portion, pin portion) that work together to control the lid's movement. This segmentation allows for precise control of the rotation arc, enabling sufficient lid opening for access while preventing over-rotation that would cause interference with the backsplash and controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly provides dynamic movement control, allowing the lid to rotate freely within a controlled arc and restrict movement at the boundaries. The mechanism adapts the lid's position during operation, permitting full accessibility when needed while automatically preventing interference with the backsplash controls through the engineered rotation limits.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance includes a cabinet defining at least one chamber accessible via an opening. The appliance also includes a cover member movable between an open position and a closed position for providing selective access to the opening. The appliance includes a hinge assembly constructed of a polymer material and operably coupled to the cover member. The hinge assembly includes first and second hinge members. The first hinge member is fixedly secured to the cabinet. The second hinge member includes a base portion fixedly secured to cover member and a pin portion. The pin portion is rotatably secured to the first hinge member to move the cover member between the open and closed positions. In the open position, the first and second hinge members cooperatively engage together to restrict movement of the cover member in the open position. In the closed position, the cabinet restricts movement of the cover member.