A cooling appliance having a multi joint hinge with sensor mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cooling appliances, the visibility of sensors and magnets due to their placement under plating decreases quality perception, and prolonged use causes misalignment of these components, leading to malfunction and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A multi-joint hinge system with a first and second plate connected via levers, where a sensor and magnet are placed on the levers to ensure alignment and complete the circuit, eliminating the need for additional cover parts and improving thermal insulation by reducing the hinge's volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor and magnet are placed under the plating on the door and body, then the quality perception is improved due to hidden components, but the sensor and magnet misalign after prolonged use due to door drop, causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is divided into multiple segments (first plate, second plate, and multiple levers) that can independently adjust their positions. This segmentation allows the sensor and magnet to be mounted on separate movable elements that can compensate for door drop, maintaining alignment without compromising the hidden appearance under plating.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism changes the spatial parameters (position and orientation) of the sensor and magnet dynamically. As the door experiences drop over time, the lever mechanism adjusts the relative positions of the sensor and magnet to maintain their alignment, effectively compensating for parameter changes caused by wear and gravity.
2Reliability
If the sensor and magnet are placed on the door and body respectively, then the circuit completion function is achieved, but the visibility of these components decreases quality perception
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor and magnet are nested within the multi-joint hinge structure itself, which is integrated into the door and body assemblies. This nesting allows the functional components to be positioned correctly for circuit completion while remaining hidden within the hinge mechanism, invisible from the exterior where plating would be applied.
3Reliability
If traditional hinge structure is used with sensor and magnet on door and body, then the components can function, but additional cover parts are needed to hide the sensor, increasing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The functional mounting of the sensor and magnet is merged with the hinge structure itself. Instead of being separate components requiring additional covers for hiding, the sensor and magnet are integrated into the hinge's mechanical assembly, combining the structural and sensing functions into a unified system that eliminates redundant parts.
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
Prevents sensor and magnet misalignment, enhances operational accuracy, reduces energy consumption, and decreases costs by ensuring co-planarity and efficient operation of the cooling appliance.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor and a magnet are placed onto the said levers such that the sensor and the magnet are almost adjacent to each other in the closed sate of the door therefore completing the circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising: a body (2), a door (3) having an open position providing access inside the body (2) and a closed position blocking access inside the body (2), a multi joint hinge (4) comprising a first plate (5) and a second plate (6) attached onto the body (2) and the door (3) respectively, wherein the first plate (5) and the second plate (6) are attached to each other via a plurality of levers (7) and a support lever (8) wherein the said levers (7) are pivotably attached to at least another one of the said levers (7) or to the support lever (8) and wherein the said levers (7) are pivotably attached to the first plate (5) or the second plate (6) from one end and wherein the said levers (7) are configured to fold onto each other forming a close-fit structure in the closed position of the door (2) and extends towards the front of the cooling appliance (1) in the open position of the door (2).