Refrigerator Door Display Latch Mechanism for Damage-Free Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerator door displays often malfunction and require detachment for repair, which can result in damage to the outer lining due to forced removal.

Innovation Solution

A design featuring a latch mechanism that allows easy attachment and detachment of the display without damaging the door, utilizing a frame with holding walls and cut-outs, a motion transmitter, and optional lifter and return springs for safe and convenient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the display is detached from the door for repair, then the display can be maintained or replaced, but the outer lining of the door may be damaged due to forced removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay detachmentVSAvoiddoor damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The door assembly is segmented into multiple components: outer lining, inner lining, insulation material, and a separate casing that houses the display. The casing is further divided into a fixed portion and a movable frame portion. This segmentation allows the display to be accessed through the removable frame without forcing the outer lining, thus preventing door damage while enabling easy display repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the display is securely fixed to the door, then the display remains stable during use, but the display becomes difficult to detach for repair

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay fixationVSAvoiddisplay detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame portion is designed to be movable relative to the fixed casing, transitioning between a fixed position (where holding walls engage with claws for stable display fixation) and a movable position (where the frame can be detached). This dynamic design allows the display to be securely fixed during normal use but easily detached for repair by simply moving the frame, without requiring complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a simple attachment structure is used for the display, then the device complexity is reduced, but the display may not be securely fixed and could malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment structureVSAvoiddisplay fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display assembly uses a nested structure where the frame is received within the casing, and the holding walls on the frame engage with corresponding claws inside the casing. The latch mechanism is nested within the frame structure itself. This nested design provides secure fixation through multiple engaged components while maintaining relatively simple individual parts, avoiding the need for complex external attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 display to be easily and safely attached and detached without damaging the outer lining or the display, preventing scratches and dents, and ensuring quick reinstallation.

Implementation Method 1

on the casing, there is at least one lifter spring which is compressed between the display and the casing when the frame is in the fixing position and which pushes the display outward when the frame is shifted to the free position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a latch which is provided on the upper cover or the lower cover and which is suitable to be moved such that when one end is pressed, the other end rises

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP4350260B1A refrigerator comprising a display
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 ARCELIK AS
  • EP4350260B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4350260B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4350260B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2); a door (3) which provides access into the body (2) and which has an inner lining (4), an outer lining (5) and a lower cover (9) and an upper cover (10) for covering the volume remaining between the inner lining (4) and the outer lining (5) from the bottom and the top, wherein insulation material is filled therebetween; at least one casing (20) which is disposed between the inner lining (4) and the outer lining (5) so as to at least partially remain in the insulation material; an opening (6) which is provided on the outer lining (5) and which faces the casing (20); and at least one display (7) which is passed through the opening (6) and fitted into the casing (20).