Dual Freezer Door Hinge Structure to Prevent Panel Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In triple door refrigerators, the common hinge supporting the freezing compartment doors experiences excessive load, leading to deformations and reduced insulation effectiveness due to the transmission of load to the intermediary compartment, causing cold air leakage and increased electricity consumption.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced hinge system is implemented, where the hinge is connected to the refrigerator panel using a screw through a hinge support that is arc-shaped to avoid the heating duct, with a protrusion and wider surface area to prevent deformation and ensure secure attachment, and an L-shaped hinge with optimized screw placement to reduce rotational moment and maintain door alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hinge is fastened to the refrigerator panel with an additional screw to increase strength, then the hinge support capability is improved, but the heating duct may be contacted and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is divided into two separate locations: one screw attaches the hinge to the intermediary compartment sheet metal, and another screw attaches the hinge to the refrigerator panel. This segmentation allows the hinge to gain additional strength without concentrating all attachment points in one location where the heating duct is vulnerable.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary component that distributes the attachment loads to two different structures (intermediary compartment sheet metal and refrigerator panel), rather than relying on a single attachment point to the panel that would risk damaging the heating duct.
2Reliability
If the hinge is attached to the intermediary compartment sheet metal with two screws, then the attachment is secure, but excessive load is transmitted to the intermediary compartment causing deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing structure is segmented into two independent support paths: one through the intermediary compartment sheet metal and another through the refrigerator panel. This distributes the mechanical load from the hinge across two separate structural elements, preventing excessive concentration of stress on the intermediary compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a two-dimensional attachment (hinge to sheet metal only) to a three-dimensional distributed attachment system involving multiple components (hinge, sheet metal, panel, and screws at different locations), spreading the load across different spatial dimensions and structural elements.
3Temperature
If the heating duct is passed from the side of the freezing compartment plastic to the region where sealing gaskets close, then the heating function is effective, but the region becomes inaccessible for additional screw installation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into two separate attachment locations: one on the intermediary compartment sheet metal and another on the refrigerator panel. This eliminates the need to access the restricted region near the sealing gaskets, as the panel provides an alternative accessible surface for screw installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the hinge directly to the restricted region near the sealing gaskets, the design uses the refrigerator panel as a substitute attachment surface that provides equivalent structural support while being more accessible for manufacturing and assembly operations.
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 reinforced hinge system enhances the structural integrity of the freezing compartment doors, maintains proper alignment, and prevents cold air leakage, ensuring effective insulation and reduced electricity consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a heating duct (8) installed inside the body to align with the side whereon the sealing gaskets close on the body and preventing the sealing gaskets from freezing and adhering to the body in the closed position of the doors (10, 11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a body, two freezing compartments wherein the products to be frozen are placed, two doors (10, 11) connected to the body and providing separate access into the freezing compartments, and a common hinge (3) that enables the two doors (10, 11) to be supported and connected to the front side of a panel (4) forming the side wall of the body with a screw (7).