Hinge, particularly for a household appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance hinges lack a simple and cost-effective method to dampen relative movements between hinge parts, leading to potentially harsh impacts during door operation.
Innovation Solution
A damper module with a base element, fastening element, damper device, and actuating element that can be reversibly attached to the hinge, allowing for adjustable lever ratios and bidirectional damping of relative movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a damper device is integrated into the hinge structure, then relative movements between hinge parts are damped, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper device is merged with the hinge structure by integrating the actuating element directly into the hinge parts. The first actuating element is formed as part of the first hinge part, and the second actuating element is formed as part of the second hinge part, creating a unified structure that provides both hinging and damping functions without requiring separate external damper components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the pivot connection between door and appliance housing, and simultaneously incorporates damping functionality through the integrated actuating elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated damper components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable damping.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a damper device is added to the hinge, then excessive speed and abrupt movements are reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the damping function with the existing hinge structure through integrated actuating elements, the patent avoids the need for separate damper components that would require additional manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and increased material costs. The damping functionality is achieved using the hinge's own structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure serves itself by using its own actuating elements to provide damping functionality. The first and second hinge parts with their integrated actuating elements automatically dampen relative movements during door operation, eliminating the need for external damper devices that would add to manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If the damper module is permanently integrated into the hinge, then damping is consistently provided, but the adaptability of the hinge is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The damping functionality is segmented into separate, independently replaceable actuating elements that are integrated into the hinge structure. This segmentation allows the damping components to be individually adjusted, replaced, or modified without affecting the entire hinge assembly, maintaining both consistent damping performance and adaptability for different applications.
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 damper module effectively reduces excessive speed and abrupt movements, enhancing the functionality of household appliance hinges by providing a reversible and adjustable damping solution without damaging the hinge parts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one damper device, held at least indirectly on the base element, for damping relative movements between the first hinge part and the second hinge part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a damper module (10) for a first hinge part (14), a second hinge part (16) held pivotably on the first hinge part (14), and a second hinge part (16) coupled to the first hinge part (14 ) has a hinge (10) that is accommodated and has a third hinge part (22) that can be displaced relative to the first hinge part (14), with a base element (32) that has at least one fastening element (34), by means of which the damper module (10) is attached to the first hinge part (14), with at least one damping device (36) held at least indirectly on the base element (32) for damping relative movements between the first and the second hinge part (14, 16) and with at least one actuating element that can be moved relative to the base element (32). (38) via which the damping device (36) can be actuated for damping the relative movements, the actuating element (38) for this purpose a is designed to interact with the third hinge part (22) for damping the relative movements in the installed position of the damper module (10).