Refrigerator Door Latch Mechanism with Hidden Link Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators have a cluttered appearance due to exposed latch connectors and user inconvenience when opening doors, as the handle interferes with these connectors.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a first door with a latch slot and a second door with a latch hook, where the latch hook is separated from the slot using an opening unit comprising a pressing portion, guide protrusions, and link portions, allowing the second door to rotate independently without external latch exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector with pressing pin is used to connect the second door with the handle, then the latch member can be unlocked, but the appearance of the refrigerator becomes cluttered and the connector interferes with handle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch hook is extracted from the handle assembly and mounted directly on the second door instead. This separates the latch function from the handle, eliminating the need for a connector between the handle and latch mechanism. The latch hook can be actuated by the handle through a different mechanical linkage, removing the visual clutter and operational interference caused by the external connector.
Solution Approach 2:
A link mechanism serves as an intermediary between the handle and the latch hook. Instead of directly connecting the handle to the latch member with an exposed connector, the link mechanism transmits the actuating force internally, mediating the interaction between these components while keeping the latch structure hidden and the handle operation smooth.
2Ease of operation
If the latch structure is exposed on the handle, then the latch can be actuated, but the refrigerator appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The latch hook is extracted from the handle and repositioned on the second door itself, hiding it from external view. The actuation mechanism is integrated into the door structure rather than being exposed on the handle, maintaining a clean appearance while preserving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch hook and its actuating mechanism are nested within the door structure, with components housed inside the door body or frame. This nesting conceals the mechanical elements from external view, presenting a smooth, clean surface while maintaining full latch functionality through internal mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an opening unit configured such that, when a second door rotates in order to open a second storing chamber, the second door is separated from a first door. The opening unit comprises: a latch hook provided on the second door so as to be selectively inserted into a latch slot formed on the front surface of the first door; a pressing portion provided on a door handle provided on the front surface of the second door, the pressing portion comprising a guide protrusion having a sloping surface formed on one side thereof; and a link portion having a contact portion formed on one end thereof so as to contact the sloping surface and to move upward/downward along the sloping surface, the other end of the link portion contacting the latch hook. When the pressing portion is pressed, the contact portion moves upward along the sloping surface, and the other end of the link portion pushes the latch hook upward together with the contact portion such that the latch hook is separated from the latch slot.