Double-Door Refrigerator Locking Device to Prevent Inertial Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional double-door refrigerators face issues with the second door separating from the first door due to inertial forces when the first door is closed or suddenly stopped, leading to potential accidents and design damage, while existing locking systems are often exposed and compromise insulation and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A locking device is integrated into the first door, featuring a moving member that changes positions based on the first door's opening state, allowing the second door to rotate only when the first door is closed, using a hooking member and stopper mechanism to prevent separation and maintain insulation and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is provided to prevent the second door from separating due to inertial forces, then safety and reliability are improved, but the locking system becomes exposed and compromises insulation and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is nested within the first door structure, with the moving member, hooking member, and stopper all contained inside the first door. This nesting approach allows the locking mechanism to function while remaining hidden, thus maintaining the aesthetic appearance and insulation properties of the door without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is extracted from the external visible area and integrated into the internal structure of the first door. By taking out the locking mechanism from the external view and placing it within the door's internal space, the solution prevents exposure while maintaining functionality, thereby preserving both aesthetics and insulation.
2Ease of operation
If the second door is freely rotatable with respect to the first door, then ease of operation is improved, but the second door may separate from the first door due to inertial forces causing accidents and design damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device employs a dynamic moving member that changes its position and locking state based on the opening/closing motion of the first door. When the first door is closed, the moving member engages the stopper to lock the second door. When the first door opens, the moving member disengages to allow free rotation. This dynamic behavior enables the system to provide both ease of operation and reliability under different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device performs preliminary locking action before the second door can potentially separate due to inertial forces. By engaging the hooking member with the stopper in advance during the closing motion of the first door, the system prevents separation accidents before they can occur, while still allowing free rotation when safe.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking device is integrated into the first door to maintain aesthetics and insulation, then appearance and energy efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving member serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking element by engaging the stopper, serves as a connection element between the first and second doors, and functions as a sensor for detecting the opening/closing state of the first door. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving the desired insulation and aesthetic preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device merges the locking mechanism, connection structure, and state detection function into a single integrated assembly within the first door. By combining these functions into one unified structure rather than separate components, the solution reduces overall device complexity while maintaining insulation and aesthetic properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet including a storage compartment provided therein; a first door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment; a second door rotatably coupled to the first door and comprising a stopper; a locking device configured to selectively allow the rotation of the second door with respect to the first door, wherein the locking device includes a moving member having different displacements according to an opening/closing state of the first door; and a hooking member having different displacements according to the displacements of the moving member and selectively hooking the stopper thereto.