Refrigerator Door Opening Assembly for Hands-Free Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require users to apply significant force to open doors, especially when holding objects, and existing door opening devices have long push rods that can slip and cause noise, leading to potential damage and reduced convenience.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a compact door opening device featuring a push rod with a curved rack gear, a Biel DC motor, and a sensing assembly that allows automatic door opening using a part of the body, reducing the length of the push rod and enhancing reliability and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a door opening device with a long push rod is used to push the door open from a position distant from the hinge shaft, then the door can be opened, but the push rod becomes very long and may slip causing noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by moving the door opening device from a position distant from the hinge shaft to a position adjacent to the hinge shaft. This dimensional repositioning allows the push rod to be significantly shorter while still effectively opening the door by pushing at the optimal location near the hinge axis, thereby resolving the contradiction between door opening capability and push rod length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a curved rack gear that follows the arc of door rotation, creating a mechanical path that copies the rotational motion. This allows the short push rod to effectively transfer linear motion into rotational door opening motion without requiring excessive length, solving the problem of insufficient leverage with a short actuator
2Reliability
If a magnet is provided inside the gasket to increase adhesion and prevent cooling air leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but greater force is required to open the door due to magnetic force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a door opening device as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the door. This device uses a motor-driven push rod to apply force at the hinge-adjacent position, mediating the opening action to overcome the strong magnetic adhesion force without requiring the user to directly apply excessive force, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and opening force
Solution Approach 2:
The door opening device operates automatically upon detecting user approach or input, providing self-service door opening. This eliminates the need for users to manually overcome the magnetic force, allowing the system to handle the high force requirement internally while maintaining easy user access
3Ease of operation
If an operating part on the door handle is required to activate the door opening device, then the door can be opened with assistance, but it becomes impossible to operate when the user is holding objects with both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device incorporates sensors that automatically detect user approach or intent, enabling the system to activate itself without manual operation. This self-service capability allows the door to open automatically when the user approaches with hands full, resolving the contradiction between assisted opening and hands-free operation versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical operating part requirement with an automated sensing and actuation system. Sensors detect user presence or intent and trigger the motor-driven push rod mechanism, substituting the need for manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system that provides hands-free operation capability
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
The solution enables convenient automatic door opening without the need for both hands, minimizes push rod length, prevents slipping and damage, and controls opening and closing speeds for enhanced user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A refrigerator with a compact door opening device featuring a push rod with a curved rack gear, a Biel DC motor
Implementation Method 2
a push rod with a curved rack gear
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a refrigerator. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.