Attachment assembly for an insulated door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated door technologies face challenges in stabilizing bins attached to the door, leading to rattling or movement, due to inadequate attachment mechanisms that do not effectively distribute the weight and minimize strain on the panels.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a vacuum insulated structure with a liner and wrapper defining channels for an attachment assembly, including first and second attachment features with apertures, and a false panel that is coplanar with the attachment assembly to stabilize the bin, ensuring it lies in a single plane and minimizes movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple attachment mechanism is used to attach the bin to the insulated door, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bin stability deteriorates causing rattling and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into multiple discrete components: attachment members with bodies and apertures, a separate false panel, and multiple attachment features distributed across the liner. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing stable bin attachment without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The false panel is positioned coplanar with the attachment assembly, creating a flush surface that eliminates protrusions. This dimensional arrangement ensures the bin sits平稳ly without rattling, as the coplanar configuration distributes forces evenly across the attachment interface
2Stability of the object's composition
If the attachment assembly extends outward from the panel to provide stabilization, then the bin stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and coplanar configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The false panel is merged with the attachment assembly to form a coplanar unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate stabilizing structures, as the false panel itself becomes part of the attachment system, providing both structural support and a flush surface for bin attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The false panel serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the bin, creates a coplanar surface for stability, and conceals the attachment mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, balancing stability improvement with controlled complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If the attachment features are disposed within channels on the liner, then the manufacturing precision is improved through integrated channels, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to complex liner fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The channels are pre-formed or pre-positioned on the liner during the liner fabrication process, before the attachment features are installed. This preliminary action ensures precise positioning of attachment features while allowing the liner to be manufactured using standard processes, balancing precision requirements with manufacturing ease
Data Source
AI summary
An insulated structure includes a door that has a liner and a wrapper. The liner defines at least one channel. At least one attachment member is disposed within the at least one channel defined by the liner and coupled to the door. The at least one attachment member includes a body that has a plurality of apertures that are defined along a length of the body. A bin is operably coupled to the door via the at least one attachment member. The bin includes a coupling feature that extends through at least one of the plurality of apertures that are defined by the body.