Hinge Support Frame Assembly for Vacuum-Insulated Appliance Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator door hinges face challenges in maximizing support and minimizing the impact of downward, rotational, and torsional forces on the structural integrity of vacuum insulated structures, which can lead to compromised thermal insulation and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A hinge support frame with upper and lower hinge mounts is integrated into the appliance's cabinet, providing attachment points for hinges and transferring forces to a base, while maintaining a hermetically sealed vacuum insulated structure by using attachment receptacles that prevent gas and thermal energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hinges are directly attached to the appliance body, then the structure is simple, but the structural integrity is compromised due to downward, rotational, and torsional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments including a front frame portion, rear frame portion, and side frame portions. Each segment is designed to handle specific forces, with hinge mounts positioned at strategic locations to distribute downward, rotational, and torsional forces across multiple attachment points rather than concentrating them at a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame integrates multiple functions into a single structural element: it provides hinge mounting surfaces, maintains the vacuum seal, distributes mechanical forces, and supports the insulating structure. The hinge mounts are incorporated directly into the frame structure, combining the support function with the sealing function.
2Strength
If a reinforcing frame is added to support hinges, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed as an integrated component that combines hinge mounting, sealing, and structural support functions. The hinge mounts are formed as part of the frame structure itself, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing brackets or additional attachment hardware, thereby simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves multiple purposes: it provides structural reinforcement for hinge attachment, maintains the hermetic seal of the vacuum insulated structure, distributes mechanical forces, and supports the insulating material. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Strength
If attachment points are created for hinges, then the hinge support is improved, but the hermetic seal of the vacuum structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mounts are integrated into the frame structure rather than being separate attachments. The frame itself forms the hermetic seal through its continuous structure and connection to the vacuum insulated panels, so the hinge mounts do not create additional penetration points that would compromise the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure between the hinge attachment points and the vacuum insulated structure. It provides rigid mounting surfaces for hinges while maintaining the hermetic barrier, transferring forces away from the vacuum seal itself.
4Stability of the object's composition
If forces are transferred to the base through the frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the thermal conductivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with varying properties in different locations: it provides rigid structural support where needed for hinge mounting and force transfer, while incorporating thermal breaks or insulating materials in sections where thermal conduction paths would form. The side frame portions and rear frame portions are positioned to minimize thermal bridges to the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves as a mediator that transfers necessary mechanical forces to the base while minimizing thermal energy transfer. The design incorporates features that decouple the mechanical load path from the thermal conduction path, allowing force transfer without creating significant thermal bridges.
Data Source
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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 frame is at least partially disposed within the insulating cavity. An upper hinge mount is disposed on the upper frame portion. A lower hinge mount is disposed on the lower frame portion. The lower frame portion has a closed outer periphery. A door is rotationally mounted to the cabinet via an upper hinge mounted to the upper hinge mount and a lower hinge mounted to the lower hinge mount.