Overlapping Hinge Assembly for Independent Dual-Door Adjustment
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator door hinge configurations do not allow for independent positional adjustment of upper and lower doors, and adjustments are inefficient as they require doors to be opened to access and secure hinge fasteners, making closed-state adjustments impractical.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device with a first hinge coupling a door to a mounting surface and a second hinge under the first door, both with turning shafts extending in the up-down direction, supported by front-rear and left-right extending portions, allowing for positional adjustments of both doors while closed by providing accessible mounting portions and openings for secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common door supporting device with a single hinge is used for upper and lower doors, then the device structure is simplified, but independent positional adjustment of upper and lower doors becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the door supporting function into separate upper and lower hinges, each capable of independent adjustment. The upper hinge includes an upper door supporting portion and upper mounting portion, while the lower hinge includes a lower door supporting portion and lower mounting portion. This segmentation allows each door to be adjusted independently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Device complexity
If hinge fasteners are concealed behind closed doors, then the hinge structure is compact, but positional adjustment requires door opening which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the upper mounting portion and lower mounting portion at different vertical levels, with the upper mounting portion extending downward and the lower mounting portion extending upward. This spatial arrangement in the vertical dimension allows both mounting portions to be accessible from the front when doors are closed, enabling efficient adjustment without opening doors while maintaining compact hinge structure.
3Productivity
If upper and lower mounting portions are positioned to allow closed-state adjustment, then adjustment efficiency improves, but the vertical space required for the hinge device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the upper mounting portion to extend downward and the lower mounting portion to extend upward, allowing them to nest or overlap in the vertical space. The upper door supporting portion is disposed over the lower door supporting portion, and the mounting portions are positioned to utilize the same vertical corridor, reducing the overall vertical footprint while maintaining accessibility for closed-state adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A first hinge 11 comprises: a first turning shaft portion 111 which extends vertically; a first supporting portion 112 which is extended longitudinally and laterally, and supports the bottom of the first turning shaft portion 111; and a first mounting portion 113 which extends downwardly from the rear end of the first supporting portion 112. A second hinge 12 comprises: a second turning shaft portion 121 which extends vertically; a second supporting portion 122 which is extended longitudinally and laterally, and supports the top of the second turning shaft portion 121; and a second mounting portion 123 which extends upwardly from the rear end of the second supporting portion 122. The first supporting portion 112 is disposed above the second supporting portion 122. The first mounting portion 113 is disposed below the second supporting portion 122. The second mounting portion 123 is disposed above the first supporting portion 112.