Dual-Door Refrigerator Locking Frame to Prevent Inertial Door Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-door refrigerators face issues with the second door separating from the first door due to inertia when closed, leading to potential user collisions and design compromises for incorporating a locking device that maintains heat insulation and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A locking device is integrated into the refrigerator that includes a moving member and a catching member, with displacement changes based on the open or closed state of the first door, allowing the second door to be locked or unlocked by altering the protruding length of the catching member within a door frame, ensuring the second door remains attached during closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent the second door from separating, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device operates automatically based on the relative movement between the first door and second door. When the second door attempts to separate from the first door, the catching member automatically engages with the catching part without requiring external control systems, motors, or sensors. This self-activating mechanism prevents door separation while avoiding the complexity of controlled locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The catching member and catching part act as intermediary elements that mediate between the two doors. These simple mechanical components transfer and constrain the relative movement between doors, providing a reliable locking function through straightforward geometric engagement rather than complex mechanical linkages or electronic control.
2Reliability
If a locking device is integrated into the door frame, then the reliability is improved, but the heat insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking components (catching member and catching part) are designed with minimal dimensions and are strategically positioned within the door frame structure. The catching member has a small cross-sectional area and the catching part is a localized feature on the second door, ensuring that the locking function is achieved with minimal disruption to the overall heat insulation properties of the door assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The catching member is received within a receiving space formed in the door frame, and the catching part is integrated into the second door structure. This nested arrangement allows the locking components to be housed within existing door structures without requiring additional external protrusions or large openings that would compromise heat insulation.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent door separation, then the reliability is improved, but the aesthetic design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The catching member is received within a receiving space formed in the door frame, and the catching part is integrated into the second door structure. This nested arrangement allows the locking components to be housed within existing door structures without requiring additional external protrusions or large openings that would compromise heat insulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a refrigerator, more particularly a refrigerator including dual doors that are convenient to use. The refrigerator includes a main body having a storage space therein, a first door hinged to the main body for opening and closing the storage space, a door frame provided at the first door, a second door hinged to the first door, the second door having a side wall, at least a portion of which is inserted into the door frame, and a catching part provided in the side wall, and a locking device for selectively allowing the second door to be turned with respect to the first door, wherein the locking device includes a moving member, the displacement of which is changed depending on the open or closed state of the first door, and a catching member, the displacement of which is changed depending on the displacement of the moving member, whereby the protruding length of the catching member from the door frame is changed, the catching member being selectively caught in the catching part.