Hinge Coupling Assembly for Sealed Fluid Passage During Door Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern refrigerators with door modules for accessing water or ice face challenges in maintaining a sealed and continuous fluid passage during door opening and closing, which affects the reliability and efficiency of water or ice dispensing systems.
Innovation Solution
A hinge coupling assembly is integrated within the door hinge, featuring a first and second coupling that connect to form a sealed continuous passage upon door installation and disconnection, maintaining the seal and flow path during radial and axial displacement of the door, ensuring consistent fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tubing is routed through the refrigerator and door to provide water to the module, then water access functionality is achieved, but maintaining a sealed continuous passage during door opening and closing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple sections (first hinge section, second hinge section) with separate couplings (first coupling, second coupling) that can independently manage the fluid passage. This segmentation allows each coupling to handle specific displacement movements while maintaining the overall sealed passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt to the radial and axial displacements that occur during door opening and closing. The coupling passages are configured to maintain sealing under varying positional conditions, transforming the static sealing problem into a dynamic solution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the door is coupled to the door frame through the hinge assembly, then door movement functionality is achieved, but radial and axial displacement disrupts the fluid passage seal
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling passages are nested within the hinge sections, with the first coupling passage and second coupling passage forming a continuous fluid path through the multi-sectioned hinge assembly. This nesting allows the fluid passage to be integrated within the moving hinge structure while maintaining sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism accommodates parameter changes in position (radial and axial displacement) by designing the coupling passages to maintain their sealing relationship under varying geometric conditions. The passages are configured to adapt their spatial parameters while preserving the sealed continuous flow path.
3Reliability
If a rigid sealed passage is used for fluid transfer, then sealing reliability is improved, but the passage cannot accommodate door opening and closing movements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transforms the rigid sealed passage into a dynamic system that can accommodate movement. The coupling passages are designed to maintain their sealing relationship while allowing radial and axial displacement, enabling the passage to adapt its geometry during door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge coupling assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mechanical hinge function for door movement and the sealed fluid passage function for water transfer. The coupling mechanism integrates both functions, allowing the same structure to accommodate movement while maintaining sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge coupling assembly includes a first coupling incorporated within a first hinge section coupled to a door, including a first end and an opposite second end connecting a first coupling passage formed within the first coupling, and a second coupling incorporated within a second hinge section separate from the first hinge section and coupled to a door frame, the second coupling including a first end and an opposite second end connecting a second coupling passage formed within the second coupling. Connection and disconnection of the first coupling to the second coupling to create a single sealed continuous passage formed by the first coupling passage and second coupling passage is simultaneous upon installation and removal of the door to the door frame. The sealed continuous passage is maintained upon radial and axial displacement of the first coupling with respect to the second coupling upon opening and closing of the door.