Refrigerator assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerator designs face challenges in providing effective sealing between doors and maintaining efficient operation of dispenser systems, particularly in terms of air tightness and inductive coupling for power and communication between the cabinet and doors.

Innovation Solution

The refrigerator assembly incorporates a mullion assembly with a flipper mullion that is pivotally attached to a hinge, featuring a spring and magnetic biasing mechanisms to adjust positions for sealing, and an induction assembly for inductive coupling between the cabinet and door for power and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional mullion assembly is used to seal between doors, then door sealing is provided, but the sealing effectiveness and adaptability to different door positions are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor sealing effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to door positions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mullion assembly incorporates a flipper mullion that can rotate between a first position (when the door is closed) to provide sealing, and a second position (when the door is open) to clear the door path. This dynamic adjustment allows the same mullion structure to adapt to different door positions while maintaining effective sealing when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mullion assembly is divided into separable components including a hinge assembly and a flipper mullion that can be pivotally attached to different doors. This segmentation allows the assembly to be configured for either the first door or the second door, providing adaptability while maintaining reliable sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed mullion assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to provide sealing in different configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfigurability for different doorsVSAvoidmullion assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly is designed with universal mounting capabilities to pivotally attach the flipper mullion to either the first door or the second door. This multi-functionality allows a single hinge assembly design to serve multiple configurations, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional door attachment methods are used, then the structure is simple, but inductive coupling for power and communication between cabinet and door is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinductive power transferVSAvoidinduction assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The induction assembly replaces traditional mechanical electrical connections (wires, contacts) with inductive coupling between a first induction element on the cabinet and a second induction element on the door. This substitution enables wireless power and communication transfer, improving energy efficiency and system reliability without requiring physical electrical contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances door sealing efficiency and supports the operation of dispenser systems by ensuring air tightness and efficient power and communication transfer, improving overall refrigerator performance.

Implementation Method 1

The mullion assembly further includes a spring configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the first position when the flipper mullion is between the first position and the intermediate position. The spring is further configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the second position when the flipper mullion is between the second position and the intermediate position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The mullion assembly further includes a magnetic assembly configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the second position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

The induction assembly is configured to provide an inductive coupling between the first element and the second element that induces a current in the dispenser assembly.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10837695B2Refrigerator assembly

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 ELECTROLUX CONSUMER PROD INC

AI summary

A refrigerator assembly includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment and a door for providing selective access to the storage compartment. The refrigerator assembly further includes a mullion assembly having a hinge coupled to the door and a flipper mullion pivotally attached to the hinge. The flipper mullion is rotatable between a first position, a second position, and an intermediate position that is intermediate the first and second positions. The mullion assembly further includes a spring configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the first position when the flipper mullion is between the first position and the intermediate position. The spring is further configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the second position when the flipper mullion is between the second position and the intermediate position. The mullion assembly further includes a magnetic assembly configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the second position.