refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator door damping systems fail to effectively manage the impact of a sagging door, leading to wear and damage, while also compromising the aesthetic and structural integrity of the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A damper assembly is integrated into the hinge system, featuring a contact projection with a rounded surface that slides along a curved path, providing a damping force without protruding from the door or cabinet, thus protecting the damper from damage and enhancing the refrigerator's durability and appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the damper is exposed to contact the door directly, then the damping function is effective, but the damper is vulnerable to damage from sagging door impact
Solution Approach 1:
A contact projection is introduced as an intermediary element between the door and the damper. The contact projection protrudes from the door to contact the damper, absorbing the impact from door sagging and protecting the damper from direct damage while maintaining the damping function.
2Ease of operation
If the damper protrudes from the door or cabinet, then the damping mechanism is accessible, but the aesthetic quality and structural integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is nested within the hinge structure, specifically accommodated in a space surrounded by the hinge and the hinge case. This hidden placement maintains the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator while the hinge case provides protective enclosure for the damping mechanism.
3Shape
If the damper is protected from exposure, then the aesthetic quality is maintained, but the damping mechanism may become less accessible for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into separable components including the hinge case, hinge, and damper. This segmentation allows the damper to be protected within the hinge structure for aesthetic purposes while enabling easy removal and maintenance of the damper by detaching the hinge components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the contact surface is flat, then the manufacturing is simple, but the wear and damage from sagging door impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface of the contact projection is formed with a rounded shape instead of a flat surface. This curvature distributes the impact force from door sagging more evenly, reducing stress concentration and wear on the contact surfaces, thereby improving durability while remaining manufacturable.
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 ensures smooth door operation regardless of sagging, protects the damper from damage, and improves the structural reliability and aesthetic quality of the refrigerator by maintaining a hidden and robust damping mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The damper may provide a damping force by using a resistant force caused by friction that is generated while a charging material such as oil or gas charging the damper passes through an orifice.
Implementation Method 2
The movement of the charging material in the damper can be performed based on the reciprocation of a piston. The piston can move the charging material in the damper while reciprocating linearly in the cylinder in the damper.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet (100) provided with a storage compartment; a door (200) rotatably installed at the cabinet (100) and configured to open and close the storage compartment; a hinge (160) configured to rotatably connect the door (200) to the cabinet (100); and a damper (600) installed at the hinge (160) and configured to generate a damping force by contacting the door (200), wherein the cabinet (100) is coupled to the hinge (160) and supports the hinge (160), and the hinge (160) is coupled to the damper (600) and supports the damper (600).