Refrigerator Door Handle Sliding Coupling for Simplified Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerator designs face challenges in assembly convenience, handle differentiation, and insulation efficiency, particularly in double-door configurations, where the number of coupling and fixing members is high, and users struggle to intuitively identify inner and outer door handles.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a sliding coupling member system with a door handle that includes a coupling member with a supporting portion and frame engaging portion, allowing for intuitive handle differentiation and reduced assembly complexity, along with an insulating partition wall that seals between upper and lower doors, facilitating efficient insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional door handle assembly methods are used with multiple coupling and fixing members, then the door handle can be securely attached to the door frame, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides coupling holes for attachment, includes a supporting portion for structural reinforcement, and features a frame engaging portion for securing to the door frame. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate coupling and fixing members, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a mounting structure for the door handle, provides structural support through its supporting portion, and enables frame engagement via its frame engaging portion. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the door handle assembly.
2Ease of operation
If inner and outer door handles are designed with the same structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but users cannot intuitively distinguish between them
Solution Approach 1:
The outer door handle is designed with a greater protrusion distance from the door surface compared to the inner door handle. This asymmetric design creates an intuitive visual and tactile difference, allowing users to easily distinguish between the two handles without requiring complex structural variations or additional markings.
3Ease of manufacture
If the insulating partition wall is manufactured separately from the main body, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the sealing between doors may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating partition wall is designed as a separate, modular component that can be manufactured independently and then assembled into the main body. This segmentation allows for flexible manufacturing and assembly while maintaining effective insulation and sealing between the upper and lower door sections.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator in which the structure of a door is improved. The refrigerator includes a main body having a storage compartment, a door rotatably coupled to the main body to open or close the storage compartment and having a door frame, a coupling member coupled to the door frame, and a door handle coupled with the coupling member in a sliding manner.