Refrigerator door hinge with height adjustability feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator door installation requires complex adjustments that necessitate removing one door to align laterally adjacent doors vertically, making it difficult for end users to achieve proper alignment efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator door hinge system with a bracket and arms that include pivot pins and an adjustment screw within an inner channel, allowing vertical adjustment of door heights without removing the doors, enabling independent movement and alignment of vertically separated doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional door alignment adjustment method is used, then door alignment can be adjusted, but door removal is required which increases installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system incorporates an adjustment mechanism that allows dynamic modification of door position during installation. The adjustable component enables the door to be repositioned vertically without removal, transforming a static hinge into a dynamic adjustment system that resolves the contradiction between ease of adjustment and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is divided into separable components including an adjustable element that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the adjustment function to be isolated and operated separately from the main door assembly, enabling alignment changes without removing the entire door from the refrigerator.
2Ease of operation
If traditional door alignment adjustment method is used, then door alignment can be adjusted, but door removal is required which increases procedure complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the hinge assembly, allowing the door to adjust its own alignment position through a simple mechanism operation. This eliminates the need for complex external adjustment procedures and door removal, making the system self-sufficient for alignment tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly integrates multiple functions including both the primary door support function and the alignment adjustment function into a single component system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment procedures and reduces overall system complexity by combining what were previously separate operations into one integrated mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hinge design is used, then simple structure is maintained, but door height adjustment is not possible without removal
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is nested within the existing hinge structure, with the adjustable component fitting inside or integrated with the primary hinge elements. This nesting approach allows height adjustment functionality to be incorporated without significantly increasing external complexity, as the adjustment mechanism shares space with the existing hinge components.
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
Facilitates quick and effortless vertical alignment of refrigerator doors, reducing installation time and allowing end users to adjust door heights without disassembly, enhancing user convenience and installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustment screw is positioned within the first inner channel of the first pivot pin. The adjustment screw is configured to engage a shaft of the first door and to translate within the first inner channel so as to translate the shaft of the first door in order to vertically adjust a height of the first door.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator door hinge pivotably supports first and second doors of a refrigerator for independent movement. The refrigerator door hinge includes a bracket, and first and second arms extending outwards and away from the bracket. The first and second arms are arranged such that a gap is formed therebetween. A first pivot pin is provided for pivotably supporting the first door and is disposed adjacent the first arm. A second pivot pin is provided for pivotably supporting the second door and is disposed adjacent the second arm. An adjustment screw is positioned within a first inner channel of the first pivot pin and is configured to engage a shaft of the first door and to translate within the first inner channel so as to translate the shaft to vertically adjust a height of the first door.