Washer Door Hinge With Multi-Axis Opening and Damped Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treatment apparatuses have limitations in door rotation mechanisms, which can lead to damage from excessive rotational speed and restricted user access due to fixed vertical axis rotation, lacking flexibility in axis selection and speed control.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a door that can rotate on multiple axes, with a handle system allowing users to select between these axes and a damper mechanism to control rotational speed, preventing damage to supporting mechanisms and enhancing user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the door rotates on a fixed vertical axis, then the structure is simple, but the user access flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The door rotation mechanism is made dynamic by allowing switching between different rotation axes. The door can rotate about a first vertical axis when closed and switch to rotate about a second horizontal axis when opened, providing adaptability in rotation behavior based on operational state
Solution Approach 2:
The door rotation is extended from a single vertical axis to multiple axes by adding a horizontal rotation axis. This dimensional change allows the door to achieve broader opening angles and improve user access to the laundry treatment apparatus
2Reliability
If the door rotational speed is not controlled, then the operation is simple, but damage occurs to supporting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A damper is introduced as an intermediary component between the door and its supporting mechanisms. The damper controls the rotational speed of the door during opening and closing operations, preventing excessive speed that could damage hinges and other supporting structures
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical speed control is achieved by replacing active control systems with a passive damper mechanism. The damper provides friction-based resistance to control rotational speed without requiring motors, sensors, or complex control electronics
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shafts are added for multi-axis rotation, then the flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door rotation function is segmented into two distinct rotation stages: vertical axis rotation for closing/opening and horizontal axis rotation for positioning. Each stage has its own shaft and hinge mechanism, allowing independent control and simplifying the overall system architecture
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
This design allows for flexible door rotation on multiple axes, enabling users to choose the optimal axis for operation while controlling speed to prevent mechanical damage, thus improving usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a piston supporter provided in the damper housing to elastically support the piston
Implementation Method 2
a damper, provided in the front panel and upwardly inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the cabinet, to elastically support the door
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treatment apparatus including a cabinet comprising a front panel having a laundry introduction hole formed therein, a laundry accommodating unit provided in the cabinet including a predetermined space in which laundry introduced through the laundry introduction hole is held, a door which is coupled to the front panel and rotatable about a horizontal axis parallel to a bottom surface of the cabinet to open and close the laundry introduction hole, and a damper provided in the front panel and upwardly inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the cabinet, to elastically support the door.