Push-to-Open Arm and Latch System for Heavy Appliance Doors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Standard push-to-open systems struggle to effectively open the heavy doors of built-in appliances like refrigerators, as they require more force due to the weight and sealing mechanisms, and existing electromechanical solutions are larger and more expensive.
Innovation Solution
A push-to-open system comprising an arm, a push latch, and a spring that connects the appliance door to the cabinet door, allowing the arm to pivot outward when the latch is unlocked, enabling the user to open the appliance door by pushing the cabinet door, thus reducing the need for direct force on the appliance door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a standard mechanical push-to-open system is used, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot generate sufficient force to open heavy appliance doors with seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system consisting of a lever arm, pivot point, and cam mechanism that translates the user's push force on the cabinet door into amplified force applied to the appliance door. This mechanical intermediary multiplies the input force through lever mechanics, allowing a simple push action to generate sufficient opening force for heavy sealed doors without requiring complex electromechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the linear push force into rotational motion through a pivot point, and then into linear opening force through a cam mechanism. By changing the dimension of force application from direct linear pushing to rotational-leveraged-cam action, the system amplifies the effective opening force while maintaining mechanical simplicity
2Force
If an electromechanical push-to-open system is used, then sufficient force can be generated to open heavy appliance doors, but the system becomes larger and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical actuators (motors, solenoids, sensors) with a purely mechanical force multiplication system. The lever arm, pivot point, and cam mechanism work together to amplify input force mechanically, eliminating the need for expensive and space-consuming electromechanical components while still generating sufficient force to open heavy sealed appliance doors
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded cam mechanism acts as a counterweight system that stores and releases mechanical energy. The spring provides continuous pressure against the cam, creating a mechanical advantage that amplifies the user's push force and maintains door pressure during the opening sequence, replacing the need for active electromechanical force generation
3Reliability
If the appliance door is made heavy with a strong seal, then sealing performance is improved, but the door becomes difficult to open with conventional push-to-open systems
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage system serves as an intermediary that decouples the sealing requirement from the opening difficulty. The lever arm and cam mechanism translate light cabinet door movement into amplified force on the heavy appliance door, allowing strong seals to be maintained while preserving ease of operation through force multiplication
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic mechanical advantage through the cam mechanism, where the mechanical advantage ratio changes during the opening sequence. Initially, the cam provides high mechanical advantage to overcome the heavy door weight and strong seal, then transitions to lower advantage as the door opens, providing smooth controlled motion throughout the opening process
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
This solution allows for a compact, cost-effective push-to-open system that can handle the weight and sealing of appliance doors without the need for expensive electromechanical components, providing a seamless user experience while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is configured to cause movement of the arm from the locked position to an unlocked position when the push latch is unlocked
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance is installed within a cabinet such that the appliance is not visible from outside the cabinet when a cabinet door of the cabinet is closed. The appliance includes a compartment and an appliance door that selectively seals the compartment. A push-to-open system is coupled to the appliance door. The push-to-open system includes an arm, a push latch and a spring. The arm connects the appliance door to the cabinet door, and the push latch selectively locks the arm in a locked position. The spring causes movement of the arm from the locked position to an unlocked position when the push latch is unlocked.