Refrigerator Container Lid with Bistable Gravity Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household refrigerators require cumbersome operation to access contents due to lids closing automatically by gravity, necessitating two hands when one hand is full, and risk accidental closure.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a decorative panel and pivot bearing arrangement allows the lid to stabilize in open or closed positions based on its center of mass, eliminating the need for additional components and enabling one-handed operation and reduced accidental closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is designed to close automatically by gravity, then the container closes securely, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires two hands when one hand is full
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to stabilize in either open or closed positions based on its center of mass location. This bistable mechanism enables the lid to remain open during one-handed operation while still providing secure closure when needed, resolving the contradiction between automatic closure reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The center of mass of the lid is strategically positioned to change the torque characteristics at different angles. By adjusting the mass distribution parameter, the lid creates stable equilibrium positions at both open and closed states, allowing users to easily hold it open with one hand while maintaining secure closure capability
2Reliability
If the lid closes immediately by gravity when hand is removed, then the container stays closed, but accidental slamming shut can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lid's dynamic bistable design creates an unstable intermediate position between open and closed states. This prevents accidental slamming by requiring deliberate user action to cross the instability threshold, while still ensuring reliable closure when intentionally closed. The gravitational force alone is insufficient to cause accidental closure from the open position
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates potential accidental closure by creating an energy barrier through the unstable intermediate position. Before the lid can slam shut accidentally, it must overcome this energy barrier, which requires deliberate force from the user, thus preventing unintended slamming while maintaining secure closure
3Reliability
If additional components are added to hold the lid in stable positions, then the lid remains open or closed reliably, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lid system is designed to be self-stabilizing through its center of mass configuration. The gravitational force and torque characteristics inherently create stable equilibrium positions without requiring additional mechanical components such as springs, latches, or magnets. This self-service approach achieves reliable positioning while minimizing manufacturing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The solution extracts the stabilizing function from separate mechanical components and integrates it into the lid's own mass distribution and geometry. By taking out the need for additional holding components and embedding the stability function within the lid structure itself, the design achieves reliable positioning at lower manufacturing cost
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 design simplifies filling and emptying with one hand, reduces accidental lid closure, and maintains stability in both positions, enhancing user convenience and aesthetic appeal while minimizing component costs.
Implementation Method 1
the lid or the flap falls in any position, depending on the position of its or its center of mass, by itself either into its or its closed end position or open end position and then remains there in a stable position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a household refrigerating device (10) comprising at least one refrigerating compartment (11, 12, 13) that can be opened and closed by means of at least one door (14, 15), and in which at least one container (20) that can be opened and closed is provided for receiving goods that are to be cooled. Said container (20) comprises a base body (21 ), a cover (22) and at least one bearing (23) for arranging the cover (22) on the base body (21) in a pivoting manner. Said cover (22) is rotationally arranged in such a manner that it automatically changes between the closed end position (38) and the open end position (37) by displacing its centre of gravity, such that the position in which it is, is between both stable end positions (37, 38).