Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator door opening devices face limitations in increasing the opening angle of the door due to restricted push rod length and complications in installation, which can lead to damage from vibrations and complex operational processes.
Innovation Solution
A door opening device installed in a cabinet with an installation bracket that includes a push member with a curved shape and a buffer member to absorb vibrations, allowing for a greater opening angle without altering the cabinet mold and minimizing vibration transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the push rod length is increased to increase the door opening angle, then the opening angle increases, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device is divided into separate components: a fixed mounting portion on the cabinet and a movable portion on the door, connected by a push rod. This segmentation allows the push rod to extend beyond the cabinet thickness while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rod is configured to extend not only in the thickness direction of the door but also in the width direction, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. This dimensional approach allows for a longer effective push distance and greater opening angle without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Shape
If the push rod length is increased to increase the door opening angle, then the opening angle increases, but the installation process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into independently manufacturable components that can be assembled on-site. The mounting portion attaches to the cabinet, the door portion attaches to the door, and they are connected by the push rod, simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rod acts as an intermediary element between the fixed mounting portion and the movable door portion, allowing for adjustable length and configuration to accommodate different cabinet and door dimensions without requiring custom installation for each case.
3Shape
If the door opening device is installed in the cabinet, then the opening angle can increase, but vibrations may cause damage to the cabinet structure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portion incorporates vibration-absorbing elements and is positioned to distribute mechanical stresses away from critical cabinet structures. This beforehand cushioning prevents vibration-induced damage before it occurs during door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rod serves as a flexible intermediary that can absorb and dampen vibrations between the door motion and the cabinet mounting structure, reducing the transmission of harmful vibrational forces to the cabinet.
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 solution enhances the opening angle of the refrigerator door and prevents damage from vibrations, simplifying the installation process and maintaining the conventional mold structure for manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer member to absorb vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet including an outer case forming an external appearance and a storage compartment, a refrigerator door coupled to the cabinet to open or close the storage compartment, an installation bracket coupled to the outer case inside the outer case, a door opening device installed in the installation bracket outside the outer case and including a push member for opening or closing the refrigerator door, and a buffer member disposed a coupling portion between the door opening device and the installation bracket.