Refrigeration Door System with Spring-Driven Autonomous Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Door systems for refrigeration devices face challenges in balancing easy access with energy efficiency, as they may inadvertently remain open, leading to reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption due to escaped cooled air, and self-closing mechanisms can obstruct loading and unloading while requiring significant space.
Innovation Solution
A door system with a spring element that pivots the refrigeration device door around a vertical axis, autonomously closing at an opening angle smaller than a first critical angle and opening at an angle greater than a second critical angle, allowing for easy access and efficient sealing, using a gas pressure spring and eccentric element for efficient force application and space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vertically pivotally mounted refrigeration device door is used, then easy access to the interior is achieved, but the door may inadvertently remain open causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The door system performs self-service through autonomous closing functionality. The bearing assembly is designed with an inclined plane that automatically returns the door to the closed position when released, eliminating the need for manual closing operations and preventing inadvertent energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The door system transitions from a static closed position to a dynamic state during operation. The bearing assembly incorporates an inclined plane that creates a dynamic return mechanism, allowing the door to move autonomously from the open position back to closed, adapting its behavior based on operational state.
2Loss of energy
If a self-autonomously closing door system is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but space requirements increase and goods handling is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated within the bearing assembly structure, nesting the autonomous closing mechanism inside the existing door support system. This eliminates the need for additional external space and avoids impeding goods handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly merges multiple functions: supporting the door, enabling pivoting motion, and providing autonomous closing through the inclined plane mechanism. By combining these functions into a single integrated assembly, space requirements are minimized while maintaining energy efficiency.
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 system ensures easy loading and unloading while maintaining high energy efficiency by automatically closing the door when partially open and staying open far enough for unobstructed access, reducing energy consumption and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element which is connected to the refrigeration device door and suitable for engaging with the refrigeration device such that, at an opening angle smaller than a first critical angle, the spring element pushes the refrigeration device door into the closed position, and, at an opening angle greater than a second critical angle, the spring element pushes the refrigeration device door into the open position
Implementation Method 2
using a gas pressure spring and eccentric element for efficient force application and space-saving design
Implementation Method 3
using a gas pressure spring and eccentric element for efficient force application and space-saving design
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a door system for a refrigeration device and a refrigeration device with such a door system.