Refrigerator Door Multiple-Joint Hinge for Dispensing Unit Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic refrigeration appliances with dispensing units for liquid and/or molded ice elements face accessibility issues when the dispensing unit is externally located, as the rearward protrusion obstructs access to the cooling compartment when the door is open.
Innovation Solution
The dispensing unit, including the output unit and ice maker, is integrated into the door with a multiple-joint hinge mechanism that allows the door to pivot and displace linearly, reducing the structural space required and improving access to the cooling compartment by enabling a complex movement sequence that minimizes mechanical obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the dispensing unit is integrated into the door with a rearward protruding receptacle, then the structural space requirement in the depth direction is reduced, but the access to the cooling compartment is obstructed when the door is open
Solution Approach 1:
The door is equipped with a multiple-joint hinge mechanism that enables complex movement sequences, allowing the door to pivot and displace linearly during opening. This dynamic movement resolves the conflict by temporarily clearing the protruding receptacle from the access path during door operation, while maintaining the space-efficient integrated design when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple joints that can move independently, allowing different parts of the door assembly to follow different movement trajectories. This segmentation enables the door body to pivot open while the receptacle portion displaces linearly, clearing the obstruction path without compromising the integrated structure
2Ease of operation
If the dispensing unit is arranged externally to the door, then the access to the cooling compartment is improved, but the device complexity and additional components are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing unit is merged with the door structure, with the output unit and ice maker integrated into the door body and the receptacle protruding from the rear side. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, additional interfaces, and complex coupling mechanisms that would be required for an externally arranged dispensing unit
Solution Approach 2:
The door serves multiple functions: it acts as a closure for the cooling compartment, a mounting structure for the dispensing unit, and houses the receptacle for receiving dispensed items. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic refrigeration appliance having a housing in which a cooling compartment is provided, and is closable by a first door which is movably arranged on the housing. The appliance further having a dispensing unit having an output unit and an ice maker. The dispensing unit is configured for the output of liquid and/or molded ice elements and is arranged on the first door. A rear side of the first door facing toward the cooling compartment has a receptacle protruding toward the cooling compartment, in which receptacle the dispensing unit is arranged. The first door is pivotably arranged with at least one multiple-joint hinge on the housing. The multiple-joint hinge has a mechanism with which, during the pivoting movement of the first door, the first door is also displaced in the width direction.