Built-In Refrigerator Wire Cover Unit to Reduce Hinge Friction Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In built-in refrigerators with multi-joint hinges, wires connecting electronic devices to the door experience friction and damage due to the hinge's simultaneous linear and rotary motion, leading to potential electric shock risks and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A wire cover unit is introduced, comprising a case, sliding member, and fixing bracket that guides and secures the wire, using a sliding mechanism to minimize friction and prevent damage, with a soft material sliding member and zigzag protrusions to reduce wear and exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multi-joint hinge is used to enable simultaneous linear and rotary motion of the door, then the door opening and closing function is improved, but the wire experiences increased friction and damage
Solution Approach 1:
A wire cover unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the wire and the moving door structure. The wire cover unit includes a case and a sliding member that moves linearly within the case, decoupling the wire from the rotary motion of the door while still allowing power and signal transmission. This mediator protects the wire from direct contact with the hinge mechanism and reduces friction-induced damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire cover unit is divided into separate functional components: a stationary case that provides structural support and a sliding member that moves with the door. This segmentation allows the wire to remain relatively stationary while the sliding member accommodates the door's motion, reducing the wire's exposure to friction and mechanical stress.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wire is drawn through the hinge to supply power to the door, then the electrical connection function is improved, but the wire is exposed to friction and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The wire cover unit acts as a protective intermediary that encloses the wire. The sliding member moves linearly within the case, creating a controlled environment for the wire that isolates it from external friction sources while still allowing the necessary electrical connection to the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire cover unit employs a sliding member that can flexibly move linearly within the case to accommodate door motion. This flexible enclosure protects the wire from damage while maintaining the adaptability needed for power supply during door operation.
3Ease of repair
If the wire is exposed during door motion, then the wire can be replaced or accessed, but the appearance is degraded and electric shock risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire cover unit serves as a protective intermediary that encloses the wire throughout its entire path. This eliminates exposed wire sections that could pose electric shock risks or aesthetic issues, while the modular design with the sliding member still allows for wire replacement if needed by accessing the case.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire is nested within the wire cover unit, which itself is integrated into the door assembly. This nested structure ensures the wire is always enclosed and protected, eliminating exposure risks while maintaining a clean appearance. The wire can be accessed for replacement by disassembling the wire cover unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A built-in refrigerator which includes a body; a door configured to open and close an inside of the body; a hinge configured to connect the body with the door; and a wire cover unit configured to guide a wire drawn from the body while a portion thereof slides according to an opening and closing of the door.