Refrigerator Door Assembly With Embedded Motors for Hands-Free Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require users to manually open doors with one hand, limiting convenience and increasing the number of components reduces storage space, necessitating a solution for enhanced user convenience and efficient space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The integration of stepper motors and motion recognition systems in door assemblies allows for automatic door opening and closing without user manual operation, utilizing dual motors per door to maintain space efficiency and prevent component interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual door operation is required, then user convenience deteriorates, but device complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly automatically opens and closes without requiring user manual operation. The motor rotates the door based on detection signals, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for users to grip and manually open the door with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical door opening operation is replaced by an automated motor-driven system. The motor substitutes for the user's manual gripping and rotating action, transforming the mechanical interaction from user-hand to motor-hinge shaft mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If additional components are added to enhance user convenience, then user convenience improves, but storage space volume reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is embedded within the door structure itself, nested into the door body rather than being mounted externally on the refrigerator main body. This nesting approach allows the motor to occupy space within the door's existing structure, minimizing the impact on the overall refrigerator dimensions and food storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is provided at both the top and bottom of the door, utilizing the vertical dimension of the door structure. This dimensional distribution allows for compact integration of multiple components without expanding the refrigerator's footprint or reducing food storage volume.
3Volume of stationary object
If motor is embedded in door structure, then space utilization improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is divided into distinct functional modules including the motor, hinge shaft, link, and door body. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled separately with standardized interfaces, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining compact integration.
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
This solution enhances user convenience by enabling door operation without hand engagement, optimizes interior space by embedding motors within the door structure, and prevents damage to the refrigerator's main body from door collisions.
Implementation Method 1
The motor may be a stepper motor
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a door assembly and a refrigerator having the same. The refrigerator includes a main body (2) having a storage compartment (20; 40) in which food is stored, a door (30; 50; 42) configured to open or close the storage compartment, a door assembly (100) configured to pivotally rotatably connect the door to the main body, a door opening/closing determination unit (90) configured to determine whether or not a user wishes to open the door, and a controller (80) configured to drive a motor (180) in response a signal sensed by the door opening/closing determination unit (90). The door assembly (100) includes a hinge bracket (120) installed to the main body (2), a hinge shaft (190) coupled to the hinge bracket (120), the hinge shaft (190) serving as a rotation center of the door, and the motor (180) installed to the door to rotate the door forward or in reverse, the motor (180) being rotated relative to the hinge shaft (190).