Refrigerator Container Coupling Mechanism for Selective Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs lack an efficient mechanism to selectively access both the main storage compartment and an auxiliary storage compartment without compromising cold air retention or requiring multiple gaskets, leading to energy wastage and inefficient door operation.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a clasp and coupler system that allows the container to be coupled or released based on applied force, using a hook mechanism with different slope angles and an elastic member to manage torque and force direction, ensuring secure coupling and easy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button mechanism is used to open and close the container, then the container can be selectively accessed, but stress concentration occurs on the rotational shaft when the button is pressed
Solution Approach 1:
A supporting part is introduced as an intermediary element between the button and the rotational shaft. When the button is pressed, the supporting part contacts the wall surface of the rotational shaft, distributing the applied force and preventing stress concentration on the shaft itself. This mediator protects the rotational shaft from direct mechanical stress while maintaining the button's opening and closing function.
2Loss of energy
If the container is always coupled to the cabinet, then cold air leakage is minimized, but the user cannot independently access the container without opening the door
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between the container and cabinet is made dynamic rather than static. The container can be selectively coupled to or decoupled from the cabinet based on user needs. When coupled, cold air leakage is prevented; when decoupled, the container can be independently accessed or positioned. This dynamic coupling system allows flexible operation while maintaining energy efficiency when the container is in its normal closed position.
3Reliability
If multiple gaskets are used to seal both the door and container, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity and energy wastage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into a single gasket structure that seals both the door and container interfaces. Instead of using separate gaskets for the door-cabinet interface and the container-cabinet interface, a unified gasket system is employed that provides sealing for both openings. This reduces the total number of gaskets required while maintaining reliable sealing performance, thereby simplifying the device structure and reducing energy wastage.
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 users to easily select whether to couple or release the container and cabinet, optimizing energy efficiency by minimizing cold air leakage and reducing the need for multiple gaskets, while allowing independent operation of the door and container.
Implementation Method 1
a second end part configured to be rotated by force applied in a second direction by the elastic member in response to force applied to the container in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a fixing device and a refrigerator having the same. The fixing device includes a clasp (400) installed to a first member (12), the clasp having a contact portion (402, 404) defining a plane, and a coupler (500) installed to a second member (100), the coupler serving to fix the second member to the first member to enable selective coupling or release of the second member and the first member. The coupler includes a hook (510) having a protruding tip portion (511) configured to come into contact with the contact portions (402, 404) so as to be caught by the contact portion (404), the hook being rotatable, and an elastic member (52,0) configured to elasticaily support the hook such that the hook is rotated toward the clasp. A contact position of the protruding tip portion and the contact portion is spaced apart from a rotation center of the hook by a predetermined distance (d).