A cooling device comprising a flap cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices with flap-type covers face issues such as pin breakage when accidentally closed and inability for users to change the opening direction without professional assistance, due to snap-fitting and deflecting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device design featuring a cover holder with a first pin and second pin system, supported by a spring and rod, allowing easy assembly, disassembly, and reversible opening direction, with locking recesses to maintain balanced positions and a detachable rod for snap-fitting assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snap-fitting and deflecting methods are used to secure the cover, then the cover can be held in position, but the pins may break when the door is accidentally closed while the cover is open
Solution Approach 1:
The cover securing mechanism is divided into two separate pins with distinct functions: the first pin provides rotational support while the second pin provides balancing support. This segmentation allows each pin to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the risk of both pins failing simultaneously and improving overall reliability while preventing catastrophic pin breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded second pin acts as a cushioning element that absorbs impact forces before they can transmit to the hinge pins. When the door accidentally closes while the cover is open, the spring compresses to absorb the shock, preventing the pins from breaking due to sudden impact forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cover is secured with fixed pins, then the cover remains stable, but users cannot change the opening direction without professional assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The cover securing system transitions from a static fixed-pin design to a dynamic spring-loaded pin system. The second pin can move vertically within its housing, allowing it to be compressed to release the cover and then automatically return to its balanced position. This dynamic behavior enables users to easily change the opening direction by simply compressing the spring, eliminating the need for professional assistance while maintaining stability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded second pin automatically returns to its balanced position after being compressed, enabling the cover to self-resecure without user intervention. This self-service mechanism allows users to easily change the opening direction by compressing the spring and releasing the cover, then the system automatically restores itself, eliminating the need for professional service.
3Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is added to enable easy disassembly, then the cover can be easily mounted and dismounted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded second pin serves multiple functions: it provides balancing support during normal operation, absorbs impact forces to prevent pin breakage, and enables easy assembly/disassembly when compressed. This multi-functionality allows a single mechanism to achieve multiple goals without requiring separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing function and the easy-release function are merged into a single spring-loaded pin mechanism. The same second pin that provides balancing support during normal operation also serves as the release mechanism when compressed. This merging eliminates the need for separate balancing springs and release mechanisms, reducing device complexity while achieving ease of assembly and disassembly.
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
Facilitates trouble-free operation and user-friendly assembly/disassembly of flap-type covers, preventing pin breakage and enabling users to change the opening direction without professional help, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The stem forms the rotational axis of the cover and is surrounded by a coil spring that exerts both a force in axial direction towards the outside of the cover and a torque biasing the cover into the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a spring disposed on the rod for attaching the plate tightly to the casing
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising a body (2), a door (3) providing access into the body (2), at least one compartment (4) wherein items to be cooled are placed, and at least one cover (5) that enables the compartments (4) to be covered and that is opened by rotating around a horizontal rotational axis.