Dual-Axis Refrigerator Door Hinge to Reduce Opening Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator door hinges cause a significant protrusion beyond the refrigerator dimensions during opening and closing due to their single-axis structure.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a first and second state that allows the door to rotate about different central axes, reducing the protrusion by switching between these states during the opening and closing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-axis hinge assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the door protrudes excessively beyond the refrigerator dimensions during opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into two independent rotation axes (first hinge shaft and second hinge shaft) instead of a single axis. The door performs sequential rotations: first about the first hinge shaft, then about the second hinge shaft. This segmentation allows the door to follow a curved trajectory that reduces the maximum protrusion distance compared to a single-axis hinge.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly transitions from a single-axis (1D rotation) to a dual-axis (2D compound rotation) system. By introducing a second rotation dimension, the door's movement path changes from a simple circular arc to a more complex compound curve, enabling the door to stay closer to the refrigerator's envelope during opening and closing operations.
2Shape
If a dual-axis hinge assembly is used, then the door protrusion is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly merges two rotation functions into a single integrated mechanism. The first hinge shaft and second hinge shaft are combined with a door that performs both rotations, eliminating the need for separate hinge mechanisms. This merging reduces the overall number of components while achieving the dual-axis rotation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The door serves multiple functions: it acts as both the rotating element for the first hinge shaft and the support structure for the second hinge shaft. This multi-functionality allows the same component to handle both rotation axes, reducing the need for additional specialized parts and simplifying the overall structure.
3Shape
If a dual-axis hinge assembly is used, then flush-in installation is enabled, but the switching mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching structure utilizes the door's own weight and gravitational force to automatically transition between the first and second rotation states. When the door is opened to a certain angle, gravity causes the door to naturally shift from rotating about the first hinge shaft to rotating about the second hinge shaft, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly employs dynamic switching between two rotation modes based on the door's opening angle. The system transitions from a static single-axis configuration to a dynamic dual-axis configuration where the active rotation axis changes during operation. This dynamic behavior allows the hinge to adapt its movement characteristics to different opening positions, enabling flush-in installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator includes: a cabinet having a plurality of accommodation spaces; a door used to cover an opening of each accommodation space; and a hinge assembly used to pivotally mount the door to the cabinet. The hinge assembly includes a hinge seat (1), a mating seat (2), first and second hinge shafts (3, 4), the first hinge shaft (3) is arranged on the hinge seat (1), the mating seat (2) is provided with a switching structure, and the hinge assembly has a first state and a second state switchable with each other. In the first state, the first hinge shaft (3) is rotatably arranged within the switching structure to rotate the mating seat (2) about the first hinge shaft (3); and in the second state, the first hinge shaft (3) is slidably arranged within the switching structure, to rotate the mating seat (2) about the second hinge shaft (4).