Appliance Door Connection with Threaded-Screw Adjustment for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door connections for appliance doors in refrigerators and freezers lack stability and precision in adjustment, often relying on eccentric bolts which can be cumbersome and insecure against external forces.
Innovation Solution
A door connection system featuring an adjustment element that allows for precise adjustment in height, width, and inclination using threaded screws, which move linearly along their axis, providing a stable and secure attachment to pull-out rails without unintentional adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If eccentric bolts are used for adjustment, then adjustment capability is provided, but stability and security against external forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the eccentric bolt mechanism with a threaded screw system. The threaded screws engage with threaded bores in the adjustment element, converting rotational motion into precise linear adjustment movements. This mechanical substitution provides both adjustment capability and resistance to external forces through the threaded connection geometry, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and stability.
2Measurement precision
If a separate adjustment element is used, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the adjustment element: it serves as both the adjustment mechanism carrier and the connection interface between the door-side and rail-side fastening elements. The adjustment element integrates threaded bores for screw adjustments while maintaining structural connection functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite providing precise adjustment capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If threaded screws are used for adjustment, then precision and stability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable fastening elements with movable fastening parts that can be positioned at different locations along elongated holes. This dynamic positioning capability allows the connection to be adapted during adjustment operations, facilitating easier operation while maintaining the precision benefits of threaded screws. The movable components enable flexible positioning without requiring complete disassembly.
4Reliability
If multiple fastening elements are used, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a connection bridge between door-side and rail-side fastening elements, provides adjustment precision through integrated threaded bores, and enables positional adaptation through movable fastening parts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby maintaining connection stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 system enables a stable, precise, and secure connection of the appliance door to pull-out rails, allowing easy and reliable adjustment in multiple directions while preventing unintentional movement due to external forces.
Implementation Method 1
the adjusting device is adjusted by turning at least one adjusting screw, which is thereby moved linearly along its longitudinal direction relative to a thread
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The connector has an adjusting device provided for adjusting a door in an elevation direction and/or a wide direction and/or an inclined direction. The adjusting device has an adjusting element (30), which is fixed at the door via screwing, where adjusting movement is implemented between the adjusting element and a door side fixing element and/or rail side fixing element. The adjusting element comprises two adjusting screws (31, 32) whose heads are coupled at the door side or rail side fixing element in a longitudinal direction in an immovable manner. An independent claim is also included for a house-hold device that comprises a dead-bolt.