Refrigerator Door Module for Flexible Hinge-Side Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances face complexity in design and assembly of opening and closing mechanisms, particularly with increasing size and weight, and lack flexibility in hinge side selection, necessitating multiple appliance models for different installation environments.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a standardized, integral door opening and closing mechanism as a module that can be easily installed and reinstalled in pockets within the appliance, allowing for flexible hinge side change and compatibility with both hinged and sliding doors, incorporating an overload coupling and damping buffer for enhanced durability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the opening and closing mechanism is disposed in the door, then the door structure is simplified, but the door weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The opening and closing mechanism is segmented from the door structure and placed in the appliance body, separating the functional component from the moving door panel. This reduces door weight while maintaining the ability to open and close the door effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing mechanism is extracted from the door and installed in the appliance body instead. This extraction eliminates the weight burden on the door while preserving the mechanism's functionality for door operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gear drive mechanism with multiple individual gears is used, then the opening and closing mechanism can operate multiple parallel toothed racks, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single opening and closing mechanism with a universal shaft and pinion design can operate multiple parallel toothed racks, enabling one mechanism to control multiple doors. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each door.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple gear drive functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism where one shaft carries a pinion that engages with multiple parallel toothed racks simultaneously, combining what would traditionally require separate mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the opening and closing mechanism is made as a structural unit installed in the door, then production assembly is simplified, but the door weight increases and requires sturdier closing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The opening and closing mechanism is segmented from the door assembly and installed in the appliance body during body assembly rather than door assembly. This allows the mechanism to be pre-assembled with the body structure, simplifying production while avoiding door weight increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration appliance includes a body having an interior compartment, a door, and a mechanism for opening and/or closing the door that is adapted to act on the door. The interior compartment is adapted to receive products to be cooled. The door is movably attached to the body and adapted to close the interior compartment. The mechanism for opening and/or closing the door is an integral module and is disposed in a corresponding pocket of the refrigeration appliance.