Off-Center Flipper Mullion Hinge for Magnet-Free Door Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator mullion assemblies relying on magnets for positioning are costly and difficult to incorporate, necessitating a magnet-free solution for effective door sealing.
Innovation Solution
A mullion assembly with a hinge mechanism and cam structure that uses biasing devices and followers to move between positions, eliminating the need for magnets by utilizing a cam structure with recesses to hold the mullion in place during door opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are used to pull the mullion assembly between opened and closed positions, then the mullion assembly can be positioned effectively, but the cost increases and the difficulty of incorporation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnet component entirely from the mullion assembly, replacing it with a cam-based mechanical positioning system. The cam structure with its specific profile engages with the mullion assembly to provide positioning without requiring any magnetic elements, thereby eliminating the complexity and cost associated with magnet incorporation while maintaining effective positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based positioning system with a purely mechanical cam-based system. The cam structure, through its geometric profile and interaction with the mullion assembly, achieves the same positioning function that magnets previously provided, but through mechanical engagement rather than magnetic attraction, simplifying the overall device.
2Reliability
If magnets are used to pull the mullion assembly between opened and closed positions, then the mullion assembly can be positioned effectively, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the magnet component from the assembly, replacing it with a cam structure that can be manufactured using conventional machining processes. This removal of expensive magnetic materials and their associated installation requirements directly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the essential positioning function through purely mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cam structure made from conventional materials that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to incorporating Neodymium magnets. The cam and its associated mechanical components represent a more economical solution that achieves the same functional outcome without the premium cost of magnetic materials.
3Device complexity
If a cam structure with recesses is used to hold the mullion in place, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of positioning may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The cam structure incorporates specifically designed recesses at precise locations along its profile. These localized geometric features engage with corresponding elements on the mullion assembly to provide accurate positioning at specific points (opened and closed positions). The precision is achieved through the careful design of these local cam features rather than through complex overall mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam structure is designed to dynamically engage and disengage the mullion assembly during door operation. The varying profile of the cam allows it to guide the mullion through its range of motion and hold it securely at terminal positions, providing both simplicity and positioning accuracy through dynamic geometric interaction rather than static complex mechanisms.
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 provides a cost-effective and efficient mechanism for maintaining the mullion in the correct position, ensuring effective sealing without the expense and complexity of magnets, while allowing for smooth operation of the refrigerator doors.
Implementation Method 1
A mullion assembly is provided including a mullion portion defining a mullion recess, the mullion recess receiving a biasing device configured to movably engage a follower
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator assembly includes a mullion assembly movably attached with respect to the refrigerator assembly. The mullion assembly includes a mullion portion defining a mullion recess. The mullion recess receives a biasing device for engaging a follower. A hinge assembly is attached to the mullion portion such that the mullion portion is movable with respect to the hinge assembly between a first position and a second position. The hinge assembly includes a first recess for receiving the follower when the mullion portion is in the first position. The hinge assembly further includes a second recess for receiving the follower when the mullion portion is in the second position.