Various hinge brackets and a hinge receiver for a laundry appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinges in laundry appliances often fail to connect directly to the lid, leading to damage when the lid rotates excessively, and there is a need for mechanisms to prevent the lid from rotating past the desired open position, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of hinge brackets that securely couple the hinge to the lid and a hinge receiver system that prevents the lid from rotating beyond the open position by using a cam mechanism within the hinge receiver, which includes a C-shaped lip and snap-fit features for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge is used to connect the lid to the cabinet, then the lid can be opened and closed, but the hinge cannot prevent excessive rotation that damages the lid and other components
Solution Approach 1:
A hinge bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the hinge and the lid. The bracket includes a receiver that engages with the hinge and attaches to the lid, providing a controlled connection point that prevents excessive rotation while maintaining smooth lid operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge receiver includes a cam mechanism that preemptively prevents excessive rotation by engaging with the hinge bracket at a predetermined rotation limit. This preliminary anti-action stops the lid before damage can occur to the lid or other components.
2Device complexity
If the hinge is directly attached to the lid, then the structure is simpler, but the hinge cannot securely connect to the lid and prevent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge bracket serves as a mediator between the hinge and lid, providing secure attachment points. The bracket includes fastener receivers that cooperate with fasteners to firmly connect the hinge assembly to the lid, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the lid can rotate freely, then access to the chamber is easier, but the lid may rotate past the desired open position causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism in the hinge receiver provides preliminary anti-action by engaging with the hinge bracket at a predetermined rotation position. This prevents the lid from rotating past the desired open position while still allowing sufficient rotation for easy chamber access.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam and hinge receiver mechanism provides mechanical feedback that limits rotation. As the lid approaches the maximum safe opening position, the cam engages with the receiver, providing tactile and mechanical feedback that prevents further rotation and potential damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge bracket to couple a hinge to a lid of a laundry appliance comprising: an elongated slot receiving a connector portion of a hinge; first fastener receivers extending from the elongated slot laterally inward toward a midline of a cabinet of the laundry appliance and configured to cooperate with fastener receivers of the hinge to receive fasteners that fasten the hinge to the hinge bracket; second fastener receivers on an opposite side of the hinge bracket as the first fastener receivers and configured to cooperate with the fastener receivers through a C-shaped lip of the lid to receive fasteners fastening the lid to the hinge bracket; and an indented portion formed laterally away from the elongated slot and facing the curved portion of the hinge. The laundry appliance can further include a hinge receiver to couple the hinge to a cabinet.