A cooling device comprising a position-adjustable door

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling devices face challenges in properly mounting and adjusting the door due to production tolerances and uneven installation surfaces, leading to user dissatisfaction and potential door instability under load.

Innovation Solution

A cooling device with an adjustment mechanism that converts radial movement into vertical movement, using a lever-like arm to adjust the hinge and main pin, allowing easy and secure positioning of the door, supported by first and second bearings and covers to distribute weight evenly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the door position is adjusted using oval-shaped holes for screws, then the door position can be changed, but the hole gets wider over time under load and the screw dislodges causing the door to fall off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor position adjustmentVSAvoidscrew fixation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A support component is introduced as an intermediary element between the hinge and the body. This support component carries the door weight and provides a stable mounting surface for the hinge, preventing the screw holes from widening and dislodging while still allowing position adjustment within design limits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge and support component are designed to be movable relative to each other during installation, allowing position adjustment. Once positioned, they become fixed together, providing stable load-bearing connection. This dynamic approach enables both adjustability and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the support component is made longer than the hinge to provide support in all positions, then the hinge is always supported, but more material is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge support coverageVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The support component has varying lengths at different positions - longer where needed to provide hinge support and shorter where not required. This non-uniform design provides adequate support coverage while minimizing material consumption in areas where full length is not necessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the hinge is attached directly to the body without additional support components, then the structure is simpler, but the door becomes unstable under load due to production tolerances and uneven floors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge mounting structureVSAvoiddoor mounting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A support component is introduced as an intermediary element between the hinge and the body. This support component carries the door weight and provides a stable mounting surface for the hinge, preventing the screw holes from widening and dislodging while still allowing position adjustment within design limits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support component is designed in advance to compensate for production tolerances and uneven installation surfaces. It provides a stable base that absorbs these variations before they affect the hinge and door, ensuring reliable operation under load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables easy and safe adjustment of the door position, preventing deformation and ensuring robust support, thus maintaining optimal insulation and appearance.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustment mechanism which has the function of a lever converting the movement in the radial direction into a movement in the vertical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3884226B1A cooling device comprising a position-adjustable door
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3884226B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3884226B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3884226B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising at least one body (2) wherein the items to be cooled are placed; at least one door (3) which provides access into the body (2); at least one main pin (4) and at least one hinge (5) which are fixed to the door (3), which enable the door (3) to be attached to the body (2) and whereon the door (3) is mounted so as to rotate therearound; and at least one adjustment mechanism (6) with one end being accessible from the outside whereon the main pin (4) is seated, which serves as a lever when a force is exerted from the outside in a manner to move upwards/downwards in the vertical axis, thus enabling the main pin (4) and the hinge (5) to stop at the desired position and if required, enabling the position of the door (3) on the body (2) to be changed by being actuated.