Mullion Hinge Assembly with Cam-Driven Stowing for Door Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mullion assemblies in refrigerators often interfere with the proper closure of the refrigerator door when in the deployed position, leading to potential damage or incomplete closure, as they extend outwardly from the door edge, causing interference with the cabinet or other doors during closing.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a first cam member and a second cam member, along with a spring member, is used to bias the mullion assembly towards a stowed position, ensuring it does not obstruct the door closure by utilizing cammed surfaces and a spring mechanism to rotate the mullion assembly from a deployed to a stowed position as the door opens, preventing interference and ensuring proper closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mullion assembly is in the deployed position to provide its function, then it can perform its intended purpose, but it interferes with the proper closure of the refrigerator door
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a spring member that dynamically adjusts the mullion assembly position. The spring member is configured to bias the mullion assembly toward the stowed position, enabling automatic transition between deployed and stowed states based on door position, thus resolving the conflict between mullion functionality and door closure reliability
2Ease of operation
If the mullion assembly extends outwardly from the door edge in the deployed position, then it provides its structural function, but it causes interference with the cabinet or other doors during closing
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly with spring member performs preliminary action by automatically positioning the mullion assembly in the stowed position before door closure occurs. This preventive mechanism ensures the mullion assembly does not extend outward to interfere with cabinet or other doors, eliminating potential harm before it can occur
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mullion assembly is held in the deployed position, then it maintains its functional position, but it prevents seamless door operation and compromises assembly integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member in the hinge assembly provides self-service functionality by automatically biasing the mullion assembly to the stowed position during door closure. This eliminates the need for external intervention or complex control systems, enabling seamless door operation while maintaining assembly integrity through the self-actuating mechanism
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 solution effectively prevents interference and damage by ensuring the mullion assembly is in the stowed position when the door is closed, allowing for seamless door operation and maintaining the integrity of the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member is operably coupled to the second hinge element and is operable between a first position and a second position. The spring member moves from the first position to the second position as the second hinge element rotates from the first position to the second position.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for a mullion assembly includes a first hinge element having a first cam member with a cammed upper surface having a first portion and a second portion with an angled intermediate portion disposed therebetween. The first portion of the cammed upper surface of the first hinge element is vertically spaced-apart a distance from the second portion. A second hinge element is rotatably coupled to the first hinge element between first and second positions and includes a second cam member having a cammed lower surface that includes an engagement point that is engaged with the cammed upper surface of the first hinge element. The second hinge element is driven upwardly by the engagement of the engagement point and the cammed upper surface of the first hinge element as the second hinge element is rotated from the first position to the second position.