Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator designs face challenges in minimizing the impact of handle grooves on the thickness of heat insulating materials in the door, which can compromise the insulation efficiency and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a user interface electrical module housing with a detachable handle member that closes the receiving space, where the handle groove's rear boundary is defined by a rear wall combined with the heat insulating material, allowing for a thicker handle groove without additional closure members and enhancing the grip portion's strength and user interface integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the handle groove is made deeper to enhance handle functionality, then the grip strength and user interface integration are improved, but the thickness of the heat insulating material is reduced, compromising insulation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handle member with the user interface housing into a single integrated component. The handle member simultaneously serves as both the handle grip and the housing for the user interface electrical module, eliminating the need for separate closure members and allowing the rear wall to define the handle groove boundary while maintaining insulation material thickness
2Loss of energy
If the handle groove thickness is increased to reduce insulation impact, then the heat insulating material thickness is preserved, but additional closure members are required to seal the receiving space
Solution Approach 1:
The handle member is designed to perform dual functions: serving as the handle grip and simultaneously closing the first receiving space that houses the user interface electrical module. This integration eliminates the need for separate closure members, reducing device complexity while maintaining insulation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The handle member is designed as a multi-functional component that provides both the handle grip function and the housing closure function. By making the handle member detachably connectable to the user interface housing, it simultaneously seals the receiving space and maintains the insulating structure, reducing the need for additional components
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a door having a user interface electrical module and a user interface housing fixed to a heat insulating material. The user interface housing has a first receiving space which is open towards a side of the door to receive the user interface electrical module. A handle member includes a covering portion for closing the open side of the first receiving space and a grip portion located in front of a handle groove. A rear wall of the user interface housing facing the handle groove forms a rear boundary of the handle groove. The thickness of the heat insulating material of the door which is occupied by the handle groove can therefore be reduced.