Variable Damping Hinge Mechanism for Appliance Door Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hinge mechanisms for household appliance doors fail to provide consistent force absorption across different door positions, leading to inefficiencies in comfort and durability, as they wear out over time due to uneven force transmission.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism that incorporates a counterweight spring system, damper, and closing spring to balance door movement, absorb excess forces, and regulate opening and closing speeds, preventing damage and extending the hinge's lifespan by distributing forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a damper system is used to slow down door closing, then the door hitting the appliance body is prevented, but the mechanism cannot provide different force absorption in different door positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the damper force variable rather than constant. The damper mechanism is designed to automatically adjust its damping force based on the door's position during opening and closing. As the door moves through different angles, the mechanical linkage changes the effective damping force, providing stronger resistance when needed and lighter resistance when appropriate, thus achieving position-dependent force absorption without requiring multiple dampers or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a damper system is used to control door movement, then door closing speed is reduced, but the mechanism causes wear and deformation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the mechanical geometry and force distribution parameters of the damper system. The design optimizes the leverage ratios, friction coefficients, and force transmission angles to reduce stress concentrations on hinge components. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective door control while minimizing wear and deformation, thereby extending the hinge's operational lifespan.
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 mechanism allows for controlled door opening without user effort, prevents fast movements that could damage the door or appliance, and extends the hinge's lifespan by evenly distributing forces, enhancing user comfort and appliance safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one damper (17) which absorbs the excess forces generated during opening and closing of the appliance door and enables the door to slow down
Implementation Method 2
at least one counterweight spring (8) which balances the weight of the appliance door
Implementation Method 3
enables the opening movement of the door in a controlled way by means of the weight of the door
Implementation Method 4
at least one female closing spring (13) which generates the forces at the moment when the appliance door closes, and which applies force such that it will keep the appliance door in closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a hinge mechanism (1) which enables to open and close the household appliance doors. The objective of the present invention is to provide a hinge mechanism (1) which enables the door to be closed and opened in a balanced way, and which prevents hard hitting by slowing down the door in case the door is closed fast and opened fast.