Refrigerator Compartment Mount With Integrated Lid Bearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing refrigeration appliances require multiple fastening elements for assembling separate compartments, which increases both material and assembly costs, and complicates the installation process.

Innovation Solution

A single component integrated with the side walls of the interior provides both a bearing for the flap and a holder for the carrier, incorporating a support rail with a stop, a locking pin, and an elastic hold-down device, reducing the number of necessary fastening elements and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If separate compartments are installed in the interior of the refrigeration device, then temperature zone separation is achieved, but the number of fastening elements and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature zone separationVSAvoidnumber of fastening elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (bearing for flap, holder for carrier, locking device) into a single integrated component that is connected to the side walls of the interior. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening elements and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining stable compartment separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a bearing for the flap, a holder for the carrier with support rail, and incorporates a locking device. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and fastening elements needed while achieving reliable compartment separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple fastening elements are used for mounting compartments, then secure attachment is achieved, but material and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple attachment functions into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the number of fastening elements from three or more to one, thereby reducing material costs and assembly complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated bearing, holder, and locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal component performs multiple attachment and securing functions simultaneously, reducing the total number of parts needed and lowering manufacturing and assembly costs while ensuring reliable mounting of the compartment carrier and flap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate mounting components are installed for each function, then functional reliability is achieved, but assembly time and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges bearing, holding, and locking functions into one integrated component, reducing the number of assembly steps from multiple separate installations to a single mounting operation, thereby significantly reducing assembly time and effort while maintaining functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional integrated component performs all necessary mounting and securing operations in one installation, eliminating the need for sequential assembly of separate components and reducing overall assembly time while ensuring reliable functionality of all subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces material and assembly costs by consolidating three functions into one component, enhancing the ease of assembly and ensuring secure compartmentalization while minimizing the risk of accidental release or misalignment.

Implementation Method 1

The bearing opening in each bearing leg is particularly advantageously of oval design. Since the bearing journals of the flap have a round cross-section, not only is a pivoting movement of the flap possible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

The bearing opening is advantageously aligned in such a way that its larger diameter is oriented in the vertical direction. In this way, an up and down movement of the flap is also possible to a limited extent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The locking opening in the flap has a hook-shaped extension for this purpose. When closing and opening the flap, the hook-shaped extension of the locking opening is only lifted over the locking pin. If the flap is then moved down again, the hook-shaped extension of the locking opening also lowers and thus prevents the locking pin from being able to leave the locking opening again

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2344819B3Refrigerator, in particular a household refrigerator
Publication Date: 2015.01.28 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2344819B3 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2344819B3 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a refrigerator, in particular a household refrigerator, comprising an insulated interior space, at least one support (13) for delimiting a compartment in the interior space, and a lid (14) for separately closing the compartment. According to the invention, a component (1) is connected to each of the side walls (12) of the interior space, wherein a bearing (3, 6) for the lid (14) and a carriage (7, 8, 9) for the support (13) are provided at said respective components.