Articulating Freezer Door Handle With Reduced Gap Opening Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottom mount refrigerator appliances face challenges in opening the lower freezer door due to the low pressure atmosphere, and the pivoting handles require a substantial gap to rotate, which is cosmetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
An articulation assembly with a housing assembly, handle anchor, lever, and slider assembly is used to pivotally mount the handle to the door, reducing the gap between the handle and door while assisting in opening the door by extending a slider towards the cabinet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pivoting handle is secured to the door with a fixed axis rotation, then the handle can assist with opening the lower freezer door, but a substantial gap between the handle and door is required which is cosmetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The handle mounting system transitions from a fixed-axis rotation to a dynamic sliding mechanism within slots. The handle anchor slides within slots in the housing assembly during rotation, allowing the handle to pivot while maintaining a substantially reduced gap between the handle and door, eliminating the cosmetic issue while preserving the door-opening assistance function
Solution Approach 2:
The housing assembly with slots acts as an intermediary mechanism between the handle and the door. This intermediate structure guides the handle's motion through controlled sliding within the slots, enabling the handle to rotate and assist door opening while maintaining close proximity to the door surface
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 solution effectively assists in opening the lower freezer door while minimizing the gap between the handle and door, enhancing the cosmetic appearance and functionality of the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
the slider is coupled to the pivoting handle such that the slider engages the refrigerator appliances' cabinet and pushes the lower freezer door away from the cabinet when the pivoting handle is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance is provided. The appliance includes a cabinet, a door mounted to the cabinet and a handle. The appliance also includes features for pivotally mounting the handle to the door and for urging the door away from the cabinet when the handle pivots. The features can also assist with limiting or reducing a gap between the handle and the door.