Multi-Joint Articulated Hinge for Wide-Opening Refrigerator Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-axis hinges hinder complete accessibility of the interior in refrigerators and similar cabinets due to limited lateral displacement of the door, especially when obstructed by protrusions like worktops or door handles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-joint hinge with a double four-bar linkage mechanism that allows both rotational and translational movement, enabling the door to pivot around obstacles with a significant forward displacement of at least 65 mm at a 90° opening angle, effectively creating a wider opening angle and improving access to the cabinet interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-axis hinge is used, then the hinge structure is simple, but the door cannot be opened wide enough to access the cabinet interior when obstructed by protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple joint elements (first joint element, second joint element, third joint element) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the door to follow a complex trajectory during opening, enabling it to clear obstacles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism transitions from simple rotational movement in one dimension to combined rotational and lateral movements in multiple dimensions. The door undergoes both rotation about the hinge axis and lateral displacement perpendicular to the hinge axis, creating a two-dimensional movement path that clears obstacles more effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-joint hinge with lateral displacement is used, then the door can pivot around obstacles, but the hinge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated lever arrangement features asymmetric configuration where the first and second articulated levers have different lengths and orientations. This asymmetry is optimized to provide the specific lateral displacement needed to clear typical obstacles while minimizing unnecessary structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-joint hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the primary rotational opening motion, adds lateral displacement to clear obstacles, and maintains a compact form factor. This multi-functionality allows a single hinge structure to handle both standard and obstacle-limited opening scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the door is opened wide to access the cabinet interior, then accessibility is improved, but the door may collide with protrusions on the hinge side
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism performs preliminary lateral displacement of the door during the opening process before the door reaches positions where collision with protrusions would occur. This preliminary action clears the door path in advance, preventing potential collisions while maintaining wide opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism dynamically adjusts the door's movement trajectory based on the opening angle. As the door opens, the articulated levers coordinate to provide varying amounts of lateral displacement at different stages of opening, optimizing the path to clear obstacles while achieving wide accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge (1) for fixing a laterally opening door (2) of a cabinet (3), especially a refrigerator. Said hinge (1) comprises an articulated lever arrangement (4) that is provided with a support element (10) facing the door and a support element (9) facing the cabinet. The support element (10) facing the door is rotated by an opening angle (a) from a closed position (8) into an open position (7) when the hinge (1) is opened relative to the support element (9) facing the cabinet. The support element (9) facing the door is displaced by at least 65 mm, particularly at least 85 mm, preferably at least 95 mm, at an opening angle (a) of 90°. Also disclosed are a cabinet wall (30) and a refrigerator (31). The door (2) can be opened wide in a simple manner with the aid of the appropriately mounted inventive hinge (1) even in the presence of protrusions (5) on the hinge side, e.g. a door handle located in the immediate vicinity of the hinge (1) or a protruding worktop, such that an access to the interior of the cabinet (3) is substantially unblocked.