Motor-Driven Push Screw Door Opener for Hands-Free Refrigerator Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of refrigerator appliances often find it inconvenient to open the door with their hands full or when hands are contaminated, as they need to grasp the door handle, which can be unsanitary and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A door opener mechanism is integrated into the refrigerator, comprising a motor-driven push screw and gear system that automatically opens the door, allowing users to nudge or push the door open without direct contact, enhancing accessibility and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user grasps the door handle to open the door, then the door can be opened reliably, but the user's hands must be clean and dry, which is inconvenient when hands are full or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
A motor-driven pusher mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the door. The user activates the door opener through a button or sensor, and the motorized pusher automatically pushes the door open, eliminating the need for direct hand contact with the door handle while still achieving the door opening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The door opening system serves itself through automated operation. Once activated by the user through a non-contact method (button press or sensor detection), the motorized mechanism autonomously completes the door opening action without requiring continuous user intervention or direct handling of the door.
2Ease of operation
If a motor-driven push screw mechanism is used to automatically open the door, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical action of pulling the door handle is replaced with an automated motor-driven push screw mechanism. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, which is then transformed by the screw mechanism into linear pushing motion to open the door, substituting complex manual operations with an automated electromechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The door opening function is segmented into distinct components: a motor unit for generating rotational force, a push screw mechanism for converting rotation to linear motion, and a pusher element for actual door contact. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall control system.
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 door opener mechanism provides a hands-free and sanitary way to open the refrigerator door, improving user convenience and safety by allowing door access without direct hand contact, especially when hands are full or contaminated.
Implementation Method 1
a motor in operative communication with the push screw. The motor is configured to move the push screw when the motor is activated. The motor rotates a drive gear when the motor is activated and the push screw reciprocates generally along the transverse direction when the motor is activated
Implementation Method 2
The motor rotates a drive gear when the motor is activated and the push screw reciprocates generally along the transverse direction when the motor is activated
Implementation Method 3
a push screw extending through the casing towards the door and a motor in operative communication with the push screw
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a food storage chamber. A door is positioned on the cabinet and is movable between a closed position and an open position. A door opener includes a casing, a push screw extending through the casing towards the door and a motor in operative communication with the push screw. The motor is configured to move the push screw when the motor is activated. The motor rotates a drive gear when the motor is activated and the push screw reciprocates generally along a linear direction when the motor is activated.