Hinge assembly and refrigerator having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator hinges protruding from the upper end of the main body interfere with peripheral components and can damage door gaskets due to repeated opening and closing, compromising the sealing capability and aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
The insertion-type hinge assembly is installed on the front side of the cooling and storage chambers, with hinge members inserted into accommodating parts on the doors, allowing for rotation without protrusion, thus preventing interference and gasket damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hinge assembly is installed on the upper end of the refrigerator main body, then the door can be supported for opening and closing, but the hinge protrudes and interferes with peripheral components
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is nested within a hinge accommodating part formed in the refrigerator main body. The first hinge member is inserted into a first accommodating space, and the second hinge member is inserted into a second accommodating space, allowing the hinge to be concealed within the main body structure rather than protruding from it.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is repositioned from a vertical upper-end mounting to a horizontal front-side mounting. The hinge accommodating part is formed at the front side of the refrigerator main body, and the hinge members are inserted horizontally, changing the mounting dimension to eliminate interference with peripheral components.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge assembly protrudes from the upper end of the refrigerator main body, then the door can be rotatably supported, but the external appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is nested within the hinge accommodating part formed in the refrigerator main body. The first and second hinge members are inserted into respective accommodating spaces, concealing the hinge mechanism within the main body structure to maintain a clean, integrated external appearance.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge assembly is positioned at the upper end of the refrigerator main body, then the door can be supported, but the door height must be increased to cover the hinge
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is repositioned from a vertical upper-end mounting to a horizontal front-side mounting. This dimensional change allows the hinge to be concealed within the main body's front surface, eliminating the need to increase door height to cover the hinge mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the hinge assembly protrudes from the refrigerator main body, then the door can be rotatably mounted, but fabrication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is nested within the hinge accommodating part formed in the refrigerator main body. The first and second hinge members are inserted into pre-formed accommodating spaces, simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for additional external mounting structures and reducing assembly complexity.
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 design prevents interference with peripheral components, reduces door height, lowers fabrication and weight costs, enhances the external appearance, and protects door gaskets from deformation and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft separated from the mount unit and disposed to be parallel to the mount unit; and a second hinge member combined such that the shaft is accommodated therein, and being rotatable relatively based on the shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An insertion-type hinge assembly may include a first hinge member including a mount unit and a shaft that is separated from and coupled to the mount unit, and that is positioned in parallel to the mount unit. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge member that receives the shaft therein so as to rotatably couple the first and second hinge members. The first and second hinge members may be installed in corresponding recesses of a door and a main body such that they are not exposed.