Display case door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated enclosure doors with thermally insulated glass panels are prone to damage when users accidentally open them beyond their limit, leading to potential safety hazards and structural failure due to excessive force.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system with spring arms and detents that provide mechanical feedback and controlled movement, preventing the door from being opened excessively by applying varying holding forces and allowing easy reattachment without removing the entire door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is made fully openable for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of excessive force application and structural damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system applies preliminary counteracting force through spring arms and detents to prevent the door from being opened beyond a safe angle. The spring arms engage with detents at specific positions to create mechanical resistance before excessive force can be applied, thereby preventing glass cracking or structural failure while still allowing normal door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system provides mechanical feedback through spring arms that engage and disengage from detents at specific door angles. This feedback mechanism warns users through tactile resistance and audible clicks when approaching the maximum safe opening angle, preventing accidental over-opening while maintaining ease of operation within safe limits.
2Reliability
If the bracket is firmly attached to prevent door damage, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system employs dynamic fastening through spring arms that can engage and disengage from detents. The spring arms are held in engaged positions by detents during normal operation to ensure reliable door protection, but can be easily released by applying force to overcome the spring resistance, allowing simple bracket removal and reattachment for maintenance without permanent attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system is divided into separable components including spring arms, detents, and fasteners that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the bracket to be detached from the door by releasing individual fasteners and spring arm engagements, simplifying repair and maintenance while maintaining firm attachment during operation.
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
The bracket system reduces the risk of glass cracking or shattering, enhances user safety, and extends the life of the display case door by preventing structural failure and simplifying maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the first pair of spring arms are configured to flex as a force is applied to the door
Implementation Method 2
The second end includes a second pair of spring arms and a plurality of detents
Data Source
AI summary
A display case including a frame with a first fastener, a door with a second fastener, and a bracket coupling the door to the frame is described. The bracket has a first end coupled a second end. The first end is pivotably coupled to the frame by the first fastener. The first end includes a first pair of spring arms having a first slot to couple to the first fastener and to allow the door to pivot between open and closed positions. The second end is slideably coupled to the door by the second fastener. The second end has detents on a second pair of spring arms and a second slot to allow the second fastener of the door to slide as the door is pivoted between open and closed positions. A first detent is positioned further from the first end of the bracket than a second detent.