Refrigeration appliance double-action handle mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration appliance doors often require excessive force to open due to the vacuum effect created when warm air cools and contracts, making it difficult for users to access the contents.
Innovation Solution
A double-action handle mechanism with a pair of impact imparting means actuated by a handle, featuring a double-side armed member and a helical spring, which transfers force to two distant contact points, allowing for smooth and convenient door opening with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional single-point door opening mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but excessive force is required to overcome the vacuum effect
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening mechanism is segmented into two separate impact imparting means (first and second impact imparting means) that act at different locations on the door. Each impactor is independently actuated by the handle through separate linkages, distributing the force application points to effectively overcome the vacuum seal at multiple locations simultaneously, thereby reducing the total force required by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism combines multiple functional elements into an integrated assembly: the handle serves as a common actuator for both impactors, the linkages merge rotational and linear motion, and the impactors work together in coordinated fashion. This merging allows a single user action (turning the handle) to simultaneously engage both impactors, achieving force multiplication without requiring the user to apply force at multiple separate locations.
2Force
If impact imparting means are extended beyond predetermined extremities, then door opening force is reduced, but the risk of damage to the door or cabin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkages are designed to guide the impact imparting means along predetermined paths that prepare the impactors for optimal force application. Before actual door opening occurs, the mechanism pre-positions the impactors at specific locations and orientations, ensuring that when force is applied, it is directed precisely at the vacuum seal edges rather than randomly impacting the door or cabin surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkages act as intermediary elements between the handle and the impactors, mediating the force transmission. These linkages control the motion of the impactors, limiting their travel to predetermined extremities while still transmitting sufficient force to break the vacuum seal. The intermediary linkages absorb and redirect forces, preventing direct transmission of excessive forces that could cause damage.
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
Enables the door to be opened with a substantially limited amount of force by distributing the force evenly through a balanced mechanism, effectively overcoming the vacuum effect and facilitating easy access.
Implementation Method 1
A helical spring is extended between a first side leg of the double-side armed member and the movement translation means so that the handle takes its original position back after opening the door.
Implementation Method 2
After the door is closed, the warm air contracts as it cools, and thus creates a vacuum in the refrigeration appliance.
Implementation Method 3
When a refrigeration appliance door is closed, a vacuum effect occurs due to the suction created when the warm air outside the refrigeration appliance moves inside.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance (1) having a cabin (2) for preserving food items to be cooled or frozen, a door (3) mounted to the cabin (2) to provide access there into, a handle (4) attached to the door (3) for opening the same (3). The handle (4) is operably coupled to at least two door opening mechanisms (5), each door opening mechanism (5) comprising an impact imparting means (7) having a first end bearable against the cabin (2) of the refrigeration appliance (1) to effect separation of the door (3) therefrom.