Push-to-Open System Using Arm and Spring for Heavy Appliance Doors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 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 a cabinet door, allowing the cabinet door to act as a handle, reducing the need for direct force on the appliance door and enabling a smaller, less expensive design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a typical mechanical push-to-open system is used, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but it cannot push the heavy appliance door outward a sufficient distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an arm as an intermediary mechanical element between the push latch and the appliance door. The arm extends outward from the cabinet door and pushes the appliance door at a distance from the hinge, providing mechanical leverage. This mediator allows the simple mechanical push latch to effectively move the heavy appliance door without requiring complex electromechanical systems.
2Ease of operation
If electromechanical push-to-open systems are used, then the door opening capability is sufficient, but the system becomes larger and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical systems with a purely mechanical solution consisting of a push latch, spring, and arm. The spring provides the necessary force mechanically rather than using motors or actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for power sources, control electronics, and complex mechanisms, resulting in a smaller, simpler, and more cost-effective system while maintaining sufficient door opening capability.
3Device complexity
If the appliance door is directly connected to the cabinet door, then the connection is simple, but direct force must be applied to the heavy appliance door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimension of force application by extending the arm outward from the cabinet door. Instead of pushing the appliance door directly at the hinge line, the arm pushes at a point farther from the hinge, creating a longer moment arm. This dimensional change in the push location provides mechanical advantage, reducing the force required to open the heavy appliance door while maintaining a simple connection mechanism.
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
Enables easy opening of appliance doors without the need for direct interaction, using the cabinet door as a handle, thus reducing the system's size and cost compared to electromechanical solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to cause movement of the arm from the locked position to an unlocked position when the push latch is unlocked
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An appliance (200) is installed within a cabinet (100) such that the appliance (200) is not visible from outside the cabinet (100) when a cabinet door (205, 305) of the cabinet is closed. The appliance (200) includes a compartment (210, 305) and an appliance door (205, 300) that selectively seals the compartment (210, 305). A push-to-open system is coupled to the appliance door (205, 300). The push-to-open system (320, 321, 322, 323) includes an arm (410, 510), a push latch (420, 520) and a spring (415, 515). The arm (410, 510) connects the appliance door (205, 300) to the cabinet door (119, 121), and the push latch (420, 520) selectively locks the arm (109) in a locked position. The spring (415, 515) causes movement of the arm (410, 510) from the locked position to an unlocked position when the push latch (420, 520) is unlocked.