Two-Way Openable Oven Door Using Link-Based Hinge Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking apparatuses with two-way openable doors, such as those using a spring and cam or rack and pinion structures, face issues with reliability, stability, and the inability to intentionally delay the operation of door components, making it inconvenient for users to select the opening direction and requiring excessive force.
Innovation Solution
A double hinge operation structure with a handle, handle link, swing hinge shaft, and pull-down bar, allowing the door to rotate between pull-down and side-swing positions, with a locking mechanism that maintains the door's position and prevents unintentional operation, using a link structure that connects the handle to the main links and swing hinge shafts through slits and intermediate links to facilitate smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spring and cam structure is used for two-way door opening, then the door can be opened in two directions, but the structure lacks reliability and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening mechanism is segmented into two independent hinge systems: a first hinge for side-swing opening and a second hinge for pull-down opening. Each hinge operates independently with its own link structure, eliminating the reliability issues of combined spring-cam mechanisms while maintaining two-way opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A link structure with slits and intermediate links serves as an intermediary mechanism between the handles and hinge shafts. This intermediary structure enables smooth transmission of opening forces to both hinge systems, facilitating reliable operation while allowing intentional delay between user input and door movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rack and pinion structure is used for two-way door opening, then the door can be opened in two directions, but there is no intentional delay between user operation and component movement
Solution Approach 1:
The link structure with slits acts as a mediator that decouples the direct connection between handle and hinge shaft. Users can pull the handle without immediately actuating the hinge, allowing intentional delay and better control over the timing of door opening, while still achieving two-way opening functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a two-way openable door structure is used, then the door can open in two directions, but considerable force is required from the user to convert opening direction
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the opening mechanism into two separate hinge systems rather than one mechanism that must convert directions, the patent eliminates the need for users to apply considerable force to switch opening directions. Each hinge naturally guides the door in its designated direction with minimal resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge shafts are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to rotate and guide the door smoothly in different directions. This dynamic design reduces the force required to initiate and maintain door movement in either opening direction.
4Ease of operation
If a door swings sideward, then it is easy to reach the internal space of the oven, but there is no additional space for temporarily putting food thereon
Solution Approach 1:
The door can dynamically switch between side-swing opening (for easy access) and pull-down opening (for temporary food placement). The pull-down mode creates additional space above the door where food can be temporarily placed, while the side-swing mode maintains easy access to the internal space.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a door is pulled down, then there is additional space for temporarily putting food thereon, but it is difficult for a user to reach into the oven
Solution Approach 1:
The door can dynamically switch between pull-down opening (for temporary food placement) and side-swing opening (for easy access). Users can select the appropriate opening mode based on their needs: pull-down when food placement is needed, side-swing when reaching into the oven is the priority.
Data Source
AI summary
A door includes a handle, a handle link configured to rotate about a handle shaft, a first swing hinge shaft configured to protrude outward from and retract into a first side of the door, a pull-down configured to protrude outward from and retract into a second side of the door, a first main link having a first end rotatably connected to the handle link and a second end rotatably connected to the first swing hinge shaft, and a second main link having a first end rotatably connected to the handle link and a second end rotatably connected to the pull-down bar. The pull-down bar and the first swing hinge shaft are each configured to protrude from or retract to a side of the door based on rotation of the handle.