Magnetic closure assembly and method of assembling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic closure systems in appliances like refrigerators face inefficiencies due to inconsistent placement and low magnetic force, leading to air infiltration and inefficient operation, particularly when using larger and more rigid magnets which are labor-intensive to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic closure assembly method involving the formation of a magnetic sub-assembly with a housing and magnets, which is attached to either the closure or body, cooperating with additional magnets to provide a consistent sealing force, reducing labor and improving placement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If larger and more rigid magnets are used to increase magnetic force, then sealing force is improved, but assembly complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the closure assembly into multiple sections, with magnets strategically placed at specific segments (e.g., corners and edges of refrigerator doors) rather than using a single large magnet. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, more manageable magnets that are easier to assemble while collectively providing sufficient sealing force around the perimeter of the closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple magnets into a coordinated magnetic closure system where individual magnets work together synergistically. By merging the forces of multiple smaller magnets positioned at strategic locations, the system achieves the required total magnetic force for effective sealing without the complexity of handling and assembling single large rigid magnets.
2Force
If magnets are manually placed to provide magnetic force, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but placement consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as magnetic assemblies with integrated mounting structures, adhesive layers, or mechanical retention features that mediate between the magnet and the closure body. These intermediaries ensure consistent and accurate placement of magnets during assembly, eliminating variability associated with manual positioning while maintaining effective magnetic sealing force.
3Force
If multiple magnets are used to improve sealing, then magnetic force is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates magnets into pre-assembled magnetic closure assemblies or integrates them during mold formation processes. By performing the magnet placement action in advance during manufacturing rather than during final assembly, the system achieves multiple magnet installation without proportionally increasing assembly time, as the magnets are already positioned and secured in their final locations before the closure assembly is completed.
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
The method enhances sealing efficiency by ensuring consistent magnetic force application, reducing air infiltration, and simplifying the assembly process by using pre-formed magnetic sub-assemblies that can be accurately placed, thereby improving appliance performance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic force between the magnetic sub-assembly and the number of second magnets biases the closure towards the body
Data Source
AI summary
A method including forming a housing configured to house a number of first magnets; fixing the number of first magnets to the housing to form a magnetic sub-assembly; and attaching the magnetic sub-assembly to at least one of the closure or the body. The magnetic sub-assembly being configured to cooperate with a number of second magnets disposed on either the closure or the body, so that when the closure is in the closed position, a magnetic force between the magnetic sub-assembly and the number of second magnets biases the closure towards the body.