Refrigerator Closing Cam With Recessed Coupling For Door Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic refrigeration appliances have limited independent door closing ability and are prone to reopening due to inadequate closing systems, which result in forceful door closure and inefficient door retention.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a closing cam with a coupling projection and recess, featuring a corner-free coupling contour and concave curvature, allows for smooth and reliable door closure, even when the door is opened slightly, preventing jamming and wear, and ensuring the door remains closed with reduced strain on the closing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single screw is used to fasten the closing mechanism on the door leaf, then the fastening process is simple, but the closing mechanism can still execute unwanted rotational movement about the screw
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism is divided into multiple fastening points with multiple screws distributed across the fastening block, rather than relying on a single screw. This segmentation of the fastening system eliminates the rotational movement problem while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized multi-point attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving slot is pre-configured with specific geometric features and the fastening block is designed with multiple screw holes positioned to prevent rotation before the closing mechanism is fully installed. This preliminary design of the fastening geometry ensures stability is built into the structure before operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the structural height of the fastening block is much larger than the thickness of the closing mechanism, then the receiving slot can be formed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism is nested within the receiving slot of the fastening block, with the hook-type closing mechanism fitting into the pre-formed slot. This nesting arrangement allows the receiving slot to be formed as an integral part of the fastening block without requiring excessive structural height, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the structural height in one dimension, the receiving slot is designed to extend in multiple dimensions with optimized geometry. The slot configuration uses dimensional optimization rather than simple height increase to achieve proper formation, reducing the fastening block's overall complexity.
3Device complexity
If independent closing is limited to a defined angle and door position, then the closing system is simple, but the door may spring open again after forceful closing
Solution Approach 1:
The closing cam is designed with a dynamic coupling contour that adapts to different door positions and angles. The coupling projection and recess configuration allows the closing mechanism to maintain engagement across a wider range of motion, enabling the door to self-close from various positions rather than being limited to a single defined angle, thereby improving door retention without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the closing cam and coupling elements are optimized to provide progressive engagement. The coupling contour parameters are designed to guide the projection into the recess smoothly, creating a self-closing action that works across multiple door positions and angles, enhancing reliability while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the coupling contour has corners, then the manufacturing is easier, but jamming and catching occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling contour of the closing cam is designed with curved surfaces instead of sharp corners. The coupling projection and recess feature rounded edges and smooth transitions that guide each other during engagement, preventing jamming and catching during door closing operations. This curvature design maintains ease of manufacture through standard machining while dramatically improving operational smoothness.
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic refrigerator has a housing and a door pivotably disposed on the housing by way of hinges. At least one hinge has a door closing fitting part on the door side with a closing clip. A bearing element having a closing cam which is coupled to the locking clip in the closed state of the door is formed on the housing. The closing cam has a coupling projection formed, on a coupling contour which faces it in the state in which it is coupled to the locking clip, with a recess in which a projection end piece formed on the locking clip engages in the coupled state.