Built-In Cooling Device Hinge Box for Simplified Cabinet Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing built-in cooling devices face difficulties in assembly into cabinets due to complex part connections and require additional cover parts, which can be unsightly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A built-in cooling device with a hinge box design that includes a fixation bracket extending from the hinge support, allowing easy assembly by accessing it through an aperture in the hinge box, and a removable cover element to conceal the bracket, ensuring secure fixation to the cabinet without protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional cover parts and complex connection brackets are used to secure the cooling device to the cabinet, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation bracket is integrated into the hinge box structure, merging two previously separate components (fixation bracket and hinge box) into a single unified structure. This reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the fixation function, directly resolving the contradiction between fixation reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge box is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides hinge support for the door and simultaneously serves as the fixation structure for securing the cooling device to the cabinet. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cover parts and connection brackets, reducing part count while maintaining reliable fixation
2Shape
If additional cover parts are assembled onto the door to match the cupboard appearance, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the assembly difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge box is designed to be visually integrated with the door and cabinet structure, eliminating the need for separate aesthetic cover parts. The unified design maintains the desired appearance while significantly simplifying the assembly process by reducing the number of components that need to be installed and aligned
3Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used for fixation and connection, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the quantity of parts and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation bracket and hinge box are merged into a single integrated structure, reducing the number of separate parts from multiple components to one unified assembly. This integration maintains the fixation reliability through the robust hinge box structure while significantly reducing the quantity of parts that need to be supplied, stored, and assembled
Data Source
AI summary
A built-in cooling device includes a body surrounding at least one storage compartment. At least one door is connected to the body by at least one hinge and is movable between a closed position in which a front opening provided for accessing inside the storage compartment is covered, and an open position for allowing access to the storage compartment. At least one hollow hinge box is provided at a surface of the body facing outside and is configured in such a way that the respective hinge is at least partially placed against the at least one hollow hinge box when the respective door is in the closed position.