Multi-Stage Rack Door Opening Device to Overcome Space Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator door opening devices limit the opening angle due to space restrictions and can cause unsanitary issues when users need to access the storage compartment, as they require manual assistance and may not fully open the door.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a multi-stage rack system that minimizes length when closed to overcome space constraints, allowing for increased opening angles by connecting and moving racks together, preventing incomplete insertion and friction-related issues, and using a power transmission mechanism with gears to automate door opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single rack is used for door opening, then the device structure is simple, but the opening angle is limited due to space restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into multiple segments (first rack and second rack) that can move relative to each other. The first rack is coupled to the door, while the second rack is coupled to the first rack, allowing each segment to contribute to the overall opening angle without requiring excessive space within the door thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-stage rack system allows one rack to be positioned within or alongside another rack structure, enabling the racks to nest when not in use. This nesting capability maximizes the opening angle while minimizing the space required when the door is closed.
2Length of moving object
If the rack withdrawal distance is increased to improve opening angle, then the door opens wider, but the rack length exceeds door thickness limitations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rack into multiple stages, the total withdrawal distance is achieved through cumulative movement of each segment rather than a single long rack. This allows the rack system to achieve greater withdrawal distance without requiring any individual rack component to exceed door thickness limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system employs dynamic relative movement between stages, where each rack stage can move independently relative to the previous stage. This dynamic configuration allows the system to extend beyond the door thickness when needed while retracting to a compact form when closed.
3Length of moving object
If a multi-stage rack system is used to increase opening angle, then the door opens wider, but friction and abrasion between racks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A transferring member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first rack and the second rack. This transferring member facilitates the relative movement between racks while reducing direct friction and abrasion through its mediating function, potentially incorporating low-friction surfaces or lubrication mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the rack structure is extended to achieve full door opening, then the door opens completely, but the device requires more space within the door
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-stage rack system is designed to nest within the door structure when not in use, with each rack stage capable of being positioned within the overall door thickness. This nesting arrangement provides full door opening capability while minimizing the volume occupied within the door when closed.
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 enables a wider opening angle of the refrigerator door without requiring manual force, reducing the risk of unsanitary conditions and minimizing noise and abrasion, while maintaining compactness when closed.
Implementation Method 1
the gasket is closely adhered between the door and the cabinet to prevent leakage of cool air from the storage compartment. As adhesion force of the gasket increases, the effect of preventing leakage of cool air may increase.
Implementation Method 2
In order to increase adhesion force of the gasket, the gasket may be formed of, for example, a rubber magnet or a magnet may be provided in the gasket.
Implementation Method 3
an auto closing function refers to a function for automatically closing the door of the refrigerator using adhesion force and magnetic force of the gasket and elastic force of a spring when the door of the refrigerator is slightly opened.
Implementation Method 4
the power transferring device may include a plurality of gears and rotation power of the motor may be transferred to the rack by rotating the plurality of gears.
Implementation Method 5
the rack includes a rack body and a rack gear formed in the rack body. Driving power of the motor is transferred to the rack through engagement between the gears and the rack gear.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a door opening device configured to open the door. The door opening device includes a driving unit and a pushing member configured to be pushed out by the driving unit to thereby open the door. The pushing member includes a first rack configured to be driven by the driving unit in a first direction, and a second rack configured to be driven by the driving unit in the first direction. The first rack is slidably coupled to the second rack to thereby move relative to the second rack.