Refrigerator Door Closing Cam With Recessed Coupling for Re-Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household refrigeration appliances experience limited automatic closing and inadequate locking, leading to doors opening again when slammed shut, resulting in failure to re-close automatically due to insufficient locking systems.
Innovation Solution
A household refrigeration appliance design featuring a locking cam with a coupling lug and trough configuration, where the nose end piece engages in a corner-free, concave trough for secure coupling, ensuring automatic re-closure even after slight openings, and a resilient striker for improved mechanical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of door closure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cam features a curved coupling contour with a trough that guides the nose end piece smoothly during engagement. This curved geometry ensures continuous contact and gradual force transfer, preventing sudden impacts and ensuring reliable door closure without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one where the nose end piece can move within the trough. This dynamic coupling allows the door to self-adjust during closing, maintaining reliable engagement even when the door is slammed shut, while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Strength
If a rigid coupling between locking cam and striker is used, then the strength of connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the locking cam and striker employs a flexible interaction through the trough and nose end piece arrangement. This allows relative movement and absorption of closing forces, enabling smooth door operation while maintaining strong connection during the locked state.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling transforms from rigid to dynamic, allowing the nose end piece to move within the trough during door closing. This dynamic behavior absorbs impact forces when the door is slammed, maintaining ease of operation while preserving connection strength through the continuous engagement geometry.
3Ease of operation
If the door closing mechanism allows free movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining closed state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The curved trough contour in the locking cam provides continuous guidance for the nose end piece throughout the door closing motion. This curved geometry ensures that the door remains guided and controlled during movement, preventing excessive freedom while maintaining smooth operation, and ensures reliable engagement in the closed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The trough acts as an intermediary element between the locking cam and the nose end piece. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled path for the nose end piece, allowing necessary movement for ease of operation while maintaining reliable closed state through continuous geometric constraint.
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 design enhances reliable door closure, reduces door springing open when slammed harder, and maintains the door in a closed state with reduced wear and jamming, providing a continuous, jerk-free mechanical coupling.
Implementation Method 1
the striker is arranged resiliently on the door-closing fitting part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic refrigerator (1) having a housing and a door pivotably disposed on the housing by means of hinges (5a, 5b, 5c), wherein at least one hinge (5a, 5b, 5c) has a door closing fitting part (6, 7) on the door side comprising a closing clip (21), and a bearing element (24) having a closing cam (12) which is coupled to the locking clip (21) in the closed state of the door (2, 3) is formed on the housing, wherein the closing cam (12) has a coupling projection (26) having, on a coupling contour (27) which faces it in the state in which it is coupled to the locking clip (21), a recess (28) in which a projection end piece (22) formed on the locking clip (21) engages in the coupled state.