Door for a domestic refrigeration device with a handle that can be slid without dismantling and domestic refrigerator and method for positioning a handle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household refrigeration appliance freezer compartment doors require complex disassembly and reassembly to change the handle position, necessitating multiple components and significant assembly effort.

Innovation Solution

A freezer compartment door with a positioning device that allows the handle part to be changed between two stop sides without disassembly, using a displacement guide and coupling rod for smooth, user-friendly position adjustment, reducing the need for additional tools and components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle part is fixed to the door body using traditional fastening methods, then the handle position is stable and reliable, but changing the handle position requires disassembly and reassembly of multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handle position changeVSAvoidnumber of components and assembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is segmented into distinct functional elements: a displacement guide with guide slots, locking devices with locking elements, and a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the handle part to be independently positioned and locked without affecting other door components, enabling easy position changes while maintaining overall door integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The handle part can be easily displaced along the guide slots and locked into different positions using the locking devices, providing adaptability for different stop sides while maintaining stability when locked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for the handle assembly to enable position changes, then the handle can be repositioned, but the assembly effort and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle position adaptabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the displacement guide provides the movement path, the locking devices provide position fixation, and the coupling mechanism connects the handle to the door body. This consolidation allows position changes without requiring separate disassembly and reassembly operations for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking elements are pre-configured in the locking devices at specific positions along the guide slots. When the handle is displaced to a desired position, the locking elements are already in place to immediately secure the handle without requiring additional assembly steps or adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the handle part is permanently fixed to the door body, then the assembly is simple and robust, but the handle cannot be repositioned for different stop sides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle repositionabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device acts as an intermediary between the handle part and the door body, providing a controlled connection that allows for position changes while maintaining reliability. The locking devices serve as mediators that secure the handle at specific positions, ensuring connection reliability without permanent fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection parameters between the handle and door body are changed from fixed to adjustable. The locking devices enable discrete position changes along the guide slots, allowing the handle to be repositioned for different stop sides while maintaining a reliable locked connection at each position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If traditional fastening methods are used for the handle, then the assembly is simple, but additional tools and disassembly procedures are required for position changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-friendliness of position changeVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is designed to be self-servicing for position changes. The locking elements automatically engage with the guide slots when the handle is displaced to a new position, eliminating the need for additional tools or complex assembly procedures. The user can simply move the handle along the guide and the locking mechanism takes care of securing it in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2746703B1Door for a domestic refrigeration device with a handle that can be slid without dismantling and domestic refrigerator and method for positioning a handle
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2746703B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2746703B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2746703B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a door (2) for a household refrigeration appliance (I), which is designed to be attached to the household refrigeration appliance (I) via two different hinge sides (2a, 2b) of the door (2), and has a handle part (15) which can be attached to a basic door body (2d) at different positions (16, 17) depending on the selected stop side (2a, 2b), the door (2) having a positioning device (18) on which the handle part (15) is arranged and by means of which the handle part (15) can be moved without dismantling from a position (16, 17) assigned in terms of position to a first stop side (2a, 2b) of the door (2) to a position (16, 17) assigned in terms of position to a second stop side (2a, 2b) of the door (2). 16, 17) can be changed. The invention also relates to a household refrigerating appliance (I) with a door (2) and a method for positioning a handle part (15) on a door base body (2d).