Embedded Refrigerator Hinge Assembly for Multi-Mode Door Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators have limited opening-closing freedom due to fixed hinge parts, making it difficult to adapt to various application scenarios, especially in integrated home decoration styles where a refrigerator needs to be embedded in a cupboard.
Innovation Solution
An embedded refrigerator design featuring a hinge assembly with a switching mechanism that allows the door to rotate in situ and move from the pivoting side towards the accommodating chamber, providing increased opening-closing freedom by using a combination of first and second hinge parts and fitting portions that disengage and re-engage at specific angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed hinge part is used to connect the door and cabinet, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the opening-closing freedom degree of the door is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple independent components: a first hinge part fixed to the cabinet, a second hinge part fixed to the door, and a switching assembly with first and second fitting parts. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions (rotation, translation, mode switching) independently, enabling complex door motion trajectories while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic system where the switching assembly can change the connection mode between the first and second hinge parts. The switching assembly allows the system to alternate between different motion modes (rotation about first hinge part, translation along second fitting part, rotation about second hinge part), providing adaptability for different opening-closing scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the door rotates in situ and moves towards the accommodating chamber, then the door can adapt to embedded settings and avoid interference with surrounding structures, but the hinge assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switching assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second hinge parts. It controls the transition between different motion modes by engaging and disengaging the fitting parts, enabling the door to switch between simple rotation and complex combined motion trajectories. This intermediary structure allows the system to achieve embedded integration adaptability while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a switching assembly is introduced to enable multiple motion modes, then the adaptability to different application scenarios is improved, but the reliability of the hinge mechanism may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switching assembly operates automatically based on the door's opening angle and motion state. The first and second fitting parts engage and disengage autonomously as the door moves through different positions, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms. This self-service operation reduces potential failure points and maintains reliability while providing multi-mode motion capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An embedded refrigerator which includes a cabinet, a door, and a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly includes a first hinge part, a second hinge part and a switching assembly; when the door is in an opening process, the first hinge part moves relative to the switching assembly, and then, the second hinge part moves relative to the switching assembly; the hinge assembly drives the door to rotate in situ relative to the cabinet, and then drives the door to continuously rotate in situ relative to the cabinet. The refrigerator can increase an opening-closing freedom degree of the door, and various motion tracks may be generated to adapt to various application scenarios.