Refrigerator Door Distribution Housing for Foam-Contained Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing refrigeration appliance designs face challenges in simplifying the assembly of the distribution system and door leaf structure, particularly in preventing foam from escaping during the foaming process and maintaining a clean, smooth external appearance.

Innovation Solution

The refrigeration appliance features a door with a rearwardly extending extension part connected to the distribution box, forming a closed ring structure that prevents foam from escaping and eliminates the need for external protrusions, using a flange or claw connection and sealing devices for secure attachment, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the distribution box is connected to the door leaf with a simple structure, then the assembly is simplified, but foam may escape during the foaming process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly structureVSAvoidfoam escape
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The door leaf structure is segmented by adding a rearwardly extending extension part that creates a closed ring configuration. This segmentation allows the foaming process to be contained within specific zones, preventing foam escape while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying assembly connections between the distribution box and door leaf.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension part is integrated within the door leaf structure, forming a nested closed ring configuration. The distribution box connects to this nested structure, creating a compact assembly that prevents foam escape during the foaming process while maintaining a clean external appearance without protruding elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the distribution box extends outside the door panel for connection, then the connection is secure, but the external appearance becomes compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidexternal appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is merged with the door leaf by integrating the extension part directly into the door panel. The distribution box connects to this integrated extension, creating a unified assembly where the connection mechanism is hidden within the door structure, ensuring both secure attachment and clean external appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection is moved from a external protrusion to an internal integration by extending the connection point rearwardly within the door leaf thickness. This dimensional repositioning allows secure connection while maintaining a smooth external surface, as the connection occurs in the third dimension rather than extending outward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Shape

If a frame is attached to cover the gap between the distribution system and door, then the appearance is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance smoothnessVSAvoidassembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extension part is pre-integrated into the door leaf structure during door manufacturing, creating the closed ring configuration before the distribution box is installed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate framing components, as the extension part itself provides the structural basis for both appearance and connection functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The extension part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the distribution box connection, creates a closed ring to contain foam during foaming, and maintains the smooth external appearance of the door. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate framing components, simplifying the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2344820B1Refrigerating appliance
Publication Date: 2012.08.08 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2344820B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2344820B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2344820B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a refrigerating appliance. Said refrigerating appliance comprises: a door (3) comprising a door leaf (5) for the opening (4), and a distributing system (6) mounted on said door, comprising a housing (7) connected to the door leaf (4) and defined by a concave cavity (8) corresponding to the opening (4), at least part of said concave cavity (4) being designed to receive an outside container. In order to provide a new model, the door leaf (5) comprises an extension (11) extending from the lateral edge of the opening (4) to the rear, and the distributing system housing (7) comprises a connection part (12) for connecting said extension part (11).