Concealed Refrigerator Door Hinge for Full Opening Travel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional household appliance door hinges are aesthetically unpleasing as they are visible, and attempts to conceal them either restrict door movement or require unsightly side slots.
Innovation Solution
A concealed hinge system where the hinge arm is integrated into the door's structure, with a U-shaped design that fits within a recess across the door's width, allowing for robust and simple construction, and featuring a form-fitting connection to the body for precise placement and increased load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional hinge with visible arm is used, then the construction is simple and robust, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge arm is nested within a recess formed in the door panel, concealing the previously visible arm structure while maintaining the same functional components. The arm fits snugly within the recess boundaries, creating a concealed hinge appearance that preserves aesthetic appearance while maintaining structural strength.
2Shape
If a casing is used to conceal the hinge arm, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the door freedom of movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complete casing that would restrict movement, only a localized recess is formed in the door panel at the hinge location. This recess provides concealment for the arm while leaving the rest of the door structure open and free, allowing the door to pivot through its full range of motion without restriction.
3Ease of operation
If a casing with side slot is used to conceal the hinge, then the arm can extend when door is open, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to the slot
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge arm is designed with dynamic geometry that allows it to extend beyond the recess boundaries when the door is in the open position. The arm can protrude laterally to accommodate the open door configuration, while the recess provides concealment when the door is closed. This dynamic design eliminates the need for permanent side slots that would compromise aesthetics.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Housing for refrigerator or freezer has a body (1), a door (2) and a hinge joint neighbouring a side surface (4) of the body (1) for connecting the door and body. The door has a first recess facing the refrigerator body and the hinge joint comprises an arm (10) that is fixed to the body (1) and protrudes into the recess (26). The arm establishes an axis of the hinge joint and forms a clearance (27) facing the side surface (4) into which the side wall of the recess (26) protrudes when the door is opened.