Refrigerator Bracket Module for Hinge and Damper Serviceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large and multi-functional refrigerators face challenges with safety devices, particularly in preventing door collisions that can lead to injury, and existing damper structures are difficult to separate and assemble during service situations, especially when built-in near surrounding furniture.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a hinge device and damping device on a bracket module that includes a hinge bracket and damping bracket, with distinct structures for each door, provides a foolproof assembly and prevents misassembly, while the damping device adjusts the door closing speed to reduce collision force, and the bracket module design enhances strength and prevents sagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a damper structure is mounted in a fixed state on the cabinet to control door closing speed, then door closing speed control is improved, but serviceability and ease of separation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The damper structure is divided into separate components: a damper bracket that can be detached from the cabinet, a damper arm, and a damper. This segmentation allows the damper to be serviced independently while maintaining its speed control function during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper bracket is designed with movable and detachable connections to the cabinet, transforming from a fixed static mounting to a dynamic removable mounting. This allows the system to switch between a fixed state during operation and a separated state during service.
2Speed
If the door is closed hard to ensure quick closure, then closure speed is improved, but collision force and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The damper structure is pre-configured to provide cushioning force during door closure. As the door approaches the closed position, the damper gradually reduces the closing speed, cushioning the impact before the door fully closes and preventing collision with surrounding furniture.
3Strength
If a bracket module integrating hinge and damping brackets is used to enhance strength and prevent sagging, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge bracket and damping bracket are merged into a single integrated bracket module. This combination provides mutual support between the two functional components, enhancing overall structural strength and preventing door sagging while maintaining manageable complexity through functional integration.
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 ensures smooth door closure, enhances safety by reducing collision force, and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly during service, addressing the limitations of existing damper structures and safety concerns in large refrigerators.
Implementation Method 1
a damping device in contact with the hinge device to control closing speed of the door
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator including: a cabinet having a storage space; a door opening and closing the storage space; a hinge device connected to the cabinet and the door to enable rotation of the door; a damping device in contact with the hinge device to control closing speed of the door; and a bracket module provided on one side of the cabinet, in which the bracket module includes: a hinge bracket on which the hinge device is mounted, and a damping bracket on which the damping device is mounted.