Refrigerator and door opening and closing apparatus for refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator door opening and closing mechanisms require excessive force and generate noise due to opposing rotation directions of the stopper and latch members, making operation inconvenient and noisy.
Innovation Solution
A door opening and closing apparatus with a latch device, stopper member, push member, and elastic member that rotate in the same direction when the button is pressed, reducing the force required to open the door and minimizing noise by synchronizing the rotation of the latch and stopper members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stopper and latch member are rotated in opposite directions when the door is opened, then the latch mechanism can be released, but the button pushing force increases and operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotation directions of the stopper and latch member to be the same direction instead of opposite directions. The stopper rotates in the same direction as the latch member, allowing both components to be released simultaneously with a single button push, thereby reducing the required pushing force and improving operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If the stopper and latch member are rotated in opposite directions, then the latch can be released, but strong rotation generates clicking noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent synchronizes the rotation direction of the stopper and latch member to be the same direction. This coordinated rotation eliminates the strong, abrupt movements that cause clicking noises, providing a smoother and quieter door opening operation while maintaining effective latch release.
3Ease of operation
If the button is pushed while the door handle pulls, then the door can be opened, but the latch member and stopper are further restrained making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the latch mechanism so that the stopper and latch member rotate in the same direction when the button is pushed. This coordinated motion ensures that both components are released simultaneously rather than creating additional restraint, allowing the door to open smoothly even when the handle is being pulled.
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 apparatus improves operability and user convenience by reducing the force needed to open the door and eliminating noise during operation, enhancing the overall door opening and closing experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which is connected with the latch member and the stopper member and provides elasticity so that the latch member and the stopper member are in contact with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a main-door, the main-door, a sub-door, a restraint device that protrudes from a rear surface of the sub-door, a latch device located at the main-door and configured to selectively restrict movement of the restraint device, and an operation device located at the sub-door and configured to release the restraint device from the latch device. The latch device includes a latch configured to restrict movement of the restraint device from the latch based on rotation of the latch, a stopper configured to engage a side of the latch and limit movement of the latch, a pusher configured to push the stopper to cause the stopper to rotate, and an elastic member connected to the latch and to the stopper. The latch is configured to, based on rotation of the stopper, rotate and release restraint between the latch and the stopper.