Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with auto-opening doors face limitations in increasing the opening angle per unit length of the push member, leading to aesthetic issues and potential damage from emergency door closure impacts.
Innovation Solution
A door opening device with a push member that includes a rack gear and rack cover, where the rack cover contacts the cabinet or door to increase the opening angle, and a magnetic field generation device with a reed switch assembly to detect external force and prevent damage by reversing the push member's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the push member is disposed adjacent to the boundary of two doors to receive power from the driving motor, then the door can be opened smoothly, but the opening angle of the door per unit length of the push member is low
Solution Approach 1:
The push member is repositioned from the boundary area to the side surface area of the door, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This dimensional change allows the push member to act closer to the hinge axis, increasing the opening angle per unit length of the push member while maintaining smooth door operation
2Length of moving object
If the push member length is increased to increase the opening angle of the door, then the opening angle increases, but the exposed portion of the push member lengthens causing deterioration of aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the position of the push member from the boundary to the side surface, the effective lever arm is increased without increasing the physical length of the push member. This allows achieving a larger opening angle while keeping the exposed portion compact and aesthetically pleasing
3Extent of automation
If the push member is used to open the door, then the door can be opened automatically, but emergency return impact damages the push rod and gears
Solution Approach 1:
A detection member is introduced that monitors the position and state of the push member. When emergency closure is detected, the driving motor receives feedback signals and reverses rotation to return the push member to its initial position, preventing damage to the push member and gears
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
Enhances the opening angle of the door per unit length of the push member while preventing damage from external forces by automatically reversing the push member's movement, maintaining the refrigerator's structural integrity and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generation device with a reed switch assembly to detect external force
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes: a cabinet; a door rotatably connected to the cabinet by a hinge; and a door opening device for opening the door. The door opening device includes a driving motor and a push member configured to move in the forward/backward direction. The push member includes a first end portion positioned close to the front surface of the cabinet and a second end portion positioned on the opposite side of the first end portion. The cabinet includes a cabinet side wall positioned close to the hinge. The door includes a door side wall positioned close to the hinge. When the door is closed, the horizontal distance between the first end portion and the cabinet side wall or the door side wall is smaller than the horizontal distance between the second end portion and the cabinet side wall or the door side wall.