Refrigerator and/or freezer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators and freezers often face issues where the door or flap automatically closes or opens unintentionally, leading to potential damage and inefficiency, as existing technologies lack a mechanism to maintain a user-defined opening angle beyond a certain point.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hinge system with an eccentric mechanism that generates a closing force based on the opening angle, using components like compression springs and rollers, which allows the door to remain stationary at user-defined positions and automatically close at specific angles, preventing unintended movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a damper is used to oppose the closing movement of the door, then the closing speed is controlled and damage is prevented, but the door cannot remain stationary at user-defined positions and may automatically close or open unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system dynamically adjusts the closing force based on the door opening angle through the eccentric mechanism. As the door angle changes, the eccentric alters the force distribution, enabling the system to transition between different operational states (automatic closing at small angles, stationary holding at larger angles) without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing force parameter is changed as a function of the door opening angle through the eccentric mechanism. This allows the system to provide different levels of closing force at different angles, enabling both automatic closing and stationary positioning functions within a single integrated system.
2Reliability
If means for generating closing force are added to prevent automatic closing, then door position control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing force generation means are integrated into the hinge mechanism itself through the eccentric component. Rather than adding separate actuators or locking mechanisms, the eccentric is incorporated as part of the hinge assembly, allowing closing force generation to occur naturally through the hinge's rotational motion and the eccentric's geometric properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric mechanism automatically generates closing force based on the door opening angle without requiring external control systems, sensors, or additional power sources. The system uses the door's own motion and the eccentric's geometry to regulate the closing force, making the mechanism self-regulating and eliminating the need for complex control electronics.
3Reliability
If the door automatically closes from certain opening angles, then safety is improved, but user-defined positions cannot be maintained and unintended opening damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically responds to the door opening angle through the eccentric mechanism, automatically adjusting the closing force to provide safety at small angles while allowing user-defined positions at larger angles. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt to different user needs while maintaining safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing force parameter changes as a function of the door opening angle, allowing the system to provide strong closing force (for safety) at small angles and reduced or zero closing force (for user positioning flexibility) at larger angles. This parameter variation enables both safety and adaptability within the same system.
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
This solution ensures the door remains in the user-defined position above a certain angle and automatically closes below it, preventing damage and enhancing operational safety and efficiency by controlling the door's movement based on the user's intent.
Implementation Method 1
The means that generate a force acting on the eccentric can be designed and arranged in such a way that they exert a compressive force on the surface of the eccentric
Implementation Method 2
The torque acting on the eccentric is converted into a force via the tension lever, which causes the door or hatch to close
Implementation Method 3
a damper which applies a force opposing the closing movement of the door or flap over at least part of the closing movement of the door or flap
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer comprising a door (10) or flap for closing the interior of the appliance, a hinge which allows the door or flap to be swiveled relative to the carcass (20) of the appliance and is provided with means for generating a closing force acting in the closing direction of the door or flap, and a damper (200) that applies a force counteracting the closing movement of the door or flap at least during part of the closing movement. The means for generating a closing force encompass an eccentric (100) and means that apply a force which acts upon the eccentric and depends on the opening angle of the door or flap.