Hinge support assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated appliances face challenges in maximizing support for hinges, which are crucial for distributing the weight and forces exerted by doors, to maintain structural integrity and minimize thermal conductivity within the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A hinge support frame is integrated into the appliance's cabinet, comprising an upper and lower frame portion with attachment receptacles, which receive fasteners to secure the hinges, allowing for efficient transfer of forces and maintaining a hermetically sealed insulating cavity, thereby supporting the hinges and minimizing thermal energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hinges are directly mounted to the cabinet, then the structure is simple, but the support for the hinge is insufficient and thermal conductivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet is divided into functional zones: the insulating cavity is separated from the hinge mounting area by introducing a frame structure. This segmentation allows the hinge support function to be isolated from the thermal insulation requirements of the cabinet body, enabling optimized hinge support without compromising insulation integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A frame structure acts as an intermediary element between the cabinet and the hinge. This frame provides the necessary mechanical support for the hinge while being positioned to minimize thermal bridging. The frame serves as a mediator that decouples the structural support function from the thermal insulation function, allowing each to be optimized independently.
2Reliability
If a frame structure is introduced to support hinges, then hinge support is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides hinge mounting surfaces, acts as a structural support element, and serves as a thermal break between the cabinet and the hinge. By merging these functions into one integrated frame, the design achieves improved reliability without proportionally increasing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides mechanical support for the hinge, maintains the insulating cavity integrity, and acts as a thermal barrier. This universal component performs multiple critical functions that would otherwise require separate elements, improving reliability while controlling overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the insulating cavity is opened for hinge mounting, then hinge installation is easier, but thermal energy transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is pre-configured with hinge mounting receptacles and attachment features before final assembly. This preliminary preparation allows hinges to be installed through the frame without requiring opening or compromising the insulating cavity. The mounting receptacles are built-in, eliminating the need for post-installation modifications that would breach the thermal barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves as an intermediary structure that provides hinge mounting capabilities without requiring direct access to or modification of the insulating cavity. The frame's mounting receptacles and attachment mechanisms enable hinge installation while the frame itself acts as a thermal barrier, preventing heat transmission through the mounting points.
4Ease of operation
If fasteners extend through the insulating cavity to secure hinges, then hinge attachment is simplified, but the hermetic seal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from the insulating cavity by implementing it within the frame structure. Attachment receptacles are provided in the frame to receive fasteners, and these receptacles are configured to engage with the hinge mounting brackets without requiring fasteners to penetrate or extend through the insulating cavity. This extraction preserves the hermetic seal while maintaining ease of attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure acts as an intermediary that provides the attachment interface between the hinge and the cabinet. The attachment receptacles in the frame receive fasteners that secure the hinge mounting brackets, eliminating the need for fasteners to directly penetrate the insulating cavity. The frame mediates the attachment process, allowing it to proceed without compromising the hermetic seal of the insulating cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance is provided herein. The appliance includes a cabinet having a wrapper, a liner, and a trim breaker. The wrapper, the liner, and the trim breaker define an insulating cavity therebetween. An insulating material is disposed within the insulating cavity. A frame includes an upper frame portion, a vertical frame portion, and a lower frame portion. The lower portion includes a top section, a bottom section, an inner section, and a front section. A door is rotationally mounted to the cabinet via an upper hinge and a lower hinge mounted to the frame.