Appliance hinge assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet structures face challenges in maintaining effective insulation and structural integrity, particularly when fasteners are inserted through the insulation cavity, leading to potential heat transfer and compromise of the vacuum seal.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a trim breaker coupled to the wrapper and liner, with an encapsulation member defining an encapsulation cavity that separates from the insulation cavity, and a hinge support system that includes a first and second hinge bracket, allowing for the insertion of fasteners externally to maintain insulation integrity and support the door mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are inserted through the insulation cavity to secure the hinge bracket, then the hinge bracket can be firmly attached to support door forces, but the vacuum seal and insulation integrity are compromised leading to heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge support system is divided into two separate brackets (first hinge bracket and second hinge bracket) positioned on opposite sides of the insulation cavity. Each bracket is secured independently using fasteners that attach to separate hinge supports, distributing the attachment points and minimizing impact on insulation integrity while maintaining overall structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
Hinge supports act as intermediary elements between the hinge brackets and the cabinet structure. These hinge supports provide attachment points for the brackets without requiring direct penetration through the insulation cavity, serving as a mediator that enables secure mounting while preserving the vacuum seal
2Volume of moving object
If the hinge bracket is positioned close to the insulation cavity for compact design, then space is optimized, but heat transfer to the hinge mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge brackets and hinge supports are nested within the encapsulation member, creating a hierarchical structure where the hinge mechanism is contained within the encapsulation cavity. This nesting arrangement optimizes space utilization while the encapsulation member acts as a thermal barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation member functions as a flexible shell that encloses the hinge mechanism and provides thermal isolation. This thin-walled encapsulation structure achieves compact design while maintaining thermal barriers through its encapsulation geometry and material properties
3Device complexity
If a single hinge bracket is used to simplify the structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to support door operational forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The first hinge bracket and second hinge bracket work together as a combined system, with both brackets contributing to support door forces. The hinge supports merge the functional capabilities of multiple brackets into a unified support structure that distributes and manages operational forces effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A cabinet structure includes a wrapper defining an opening. At least one liner is positioned inside the opening of the wrapper and defines a temperature-controlled compartment. An insulation cavity is defined between the wrapper and the liner. A trim breaker is coupled to the wrapper and the liner. A first hinge bracket is positioned outwardly of the trim breaker. An encapsulation member is positioned rearwardly of the trim breaker and defines an encapsulation cavity. A first hinge support has a first section positioned along a second hinge support and a second section extending rearwardly from the first section. The first hinge bracket is coupled to the first and second hinge supports.