Refrigerator Door Hinge Structure for Wide Opening and Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance door hinges are aesthetically unappealing, difficult to manufacture, restrict door movement, and do not allow for sufficient cable routing or a wide enough opening angle.
Innovation Solution
A hinge element with two bearing journals at the free end of a support arm, aligned along a common pivot axis, made from high-strength sheet metal, allowing for a large opening angle and cable duct integration, and manufactured through stamping and bending for ease and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinge arm is firmly connected to the body and engages in a receiving space, then the hinge provides structural stability, but the door opening angle is restricted to slightly more than 90°
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge arm is divided into three sections by two roughly right angles, with end sections running parallel to one another. This segmentation allows the hinge to achieve both structural stability and a larger door opening angle by distributing mechanical stresses across multiple segments rather than a single rigid structure.
2Ease of operation
If the free end of the support arm is rolled up into a circular sleeve, then the hinge provides rotational movement, but the manufacturing process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the difficult-to-manufacture rolled circular sleeve with two bearing journals formed directly from sheet metal sections. These journals are created through standard stamping and bending processes, eliminating the need for complex rolling operations while providing equivalent rotational functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hinge arm is made visible from the outside, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the appearance becomes aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge arm is positioned within a housing that is firmly connected to the door, with the arm extending into a receiving space. This nesting arrangement conceals the hinge arm from external view, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining the simplicity of the hinge structure and its manufacturing process.
4Shape
If a housing is provided to hide the hinge arm, then the appearance is improved, but the door freedom of movement is restricted or side slots are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge arm is designed with a curvature in a section perpendicular to the pivot axis, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the door's movement. The arm can extend when the door is open, providing full freedom of movement, while remaining concealed within the housing when the door is closed, maintaining aesthetic appearance without requiring side slots.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge element (10) for a door (2) of a household appliance (1), and a housing for a household appliance, and a household appliance, particularly a refrigerator or freezer. The hinge element (10) comprises a mounting segment (11) for mounting on the body (4) of the household appliance, a support arm (12) offset from the mounting segment, and a bearing element (16) disposed at the free end of the support arm (12). Two bearing pins (16a, 16b) protruding in opposite directions at the free end of the support arm (12) and form the bearing element.