Bidirectional Handle Door Opening Device for Refrigerators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerators with rotatable door opening devices restrict door opening to a specific direction, limiting user convenience as they cannot trigger the door opening mechanism when the handle is moved in opposite directions.

Innovation Solution

A door opening device that includes a handle capable of rotating in two directions, a link part that rotates with the handle, and a slide member that slides to push the refrigerator door open, allowing the door to be opened by rotating the handle in either permitted direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional rotatable door opening device is used with a single pivot direction, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot trigger the door opening mechanism when the handle is moved in opposite directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection of handle rotationVSAvoiddoor opening device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door opening device is segmented into multiple functional components: a handle, a link part with first and second link members, and a slide member. Each component has a specific function, and their coordinated operation enables bidirectional handle rotation to trigger door opening while maintaining clear structural organization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The link part acts as an intermediary mechanism between the handle and the slide member. It translates rotational motion from either direction into linear motion of the slide member, enabling bidirectional operation without requiring complex direct drive mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a door opening device allows bidirectional handle rotation, then user convenience is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases with multiple link members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidlink mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The link members are designed to dynamically engage and disengage based on the direction of handle rotation. The first link member engages when rotated in one direction, while the second link member engages when rotated in the opposite direction, allowing the mechanism to adapt its configuration based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single link member that must accommodate both directions, the invention uses two link members that each handle one direction. This inverted approach of having specialized components for each direction simplifies the engagement logic and improves reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9897368B2Refrigerator including a door opening device

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 DONGBU DAEWOO ELECTRONCIS CORP

AI summary

A refrigerator equipped with a door opening device that can be triggered to facilitate door opening when a door handle is moved by a user in either of the two permitted opposite directions. A first link member is coupled to the door handle and can be rotated in the same direction as the door handle. A second link member is coupled to the first link member. The second link member is configured to be rotated by the first link member when the door handle is rotated in one direction, and to remain stationary when the door handle is rotated in another direction. When door handle is rotated, the first or the second link member can cause a slide member to slide out of the refrigerator door partially to press against the main body, thereby opening the door.