Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with enhanced gasket sealing forces require excessive user effort to open the door, especially with the addition of auto-closing functions, making it difficult and potentially hazardous to open the door quickly.
Innovation Solution
A door opening device with a motor-driven diagonal rack that increases the door opening angle by varying its protruding length, reducing the force required to open the door while maintaining the auto-closing function and preventing rack deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closely attaching force of the gasket is increased to prevent cold air leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but the force required to open the door increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device is activated before the user pulls the door, preliminarily overcoming the gasket's attaching force and magnetic force. The motor drives the rack to push the door, creating initial separation between the gasket and cabinet, thereby reducing the force needed by the user to open the door while maintaining strong sealing when closed
2Extent of automation
If the auto closing function is added using magnetic force and spring elastic force, then the door automatically closes, but the force required to open the door increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device performs preliminary action by actively pushing the door to overcome the combined magnetic force and spring elastic force before user intervention. This preliminary mechanical assistance reduces the net force users must apply to initiate door opening, making the automated closing system more user-friendly
3Ease of operation
If large force is applied to open the door to overcome attaching forces, then the door opens, but the door opens rapidly causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening process is divided into periodic phases: first, the motor-driven rack pushes the door to overcome initial resistance forces; then, as the door opens and the rack angle changes, the pushing force is naturally modulated. This periodic action pattern, combined with the rack's geometric progression, controls the door opening speed to prevent rapid opening while maintaining opening capability
4Ease of operation
If the rack is provided in a diagonal direction to improve door opening, then the opening angle increases, but the rack may deform or damage at its distal end
Solution Approach 1:
A rack cover is provided at the distal end of the rack to beforehand protect this vulnerable location. The rack cover absorbs and distributes the stress concentrated at the rack's tip during door opening operations, preventing deformation or damage while allowing the rack to maintain its diagonal configuration for effective door opening
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 reduces the user's opening force, maintains the door's closing force, and increases the auto-opening angle, enhancing user convenience while minimizing the initial opening impact and improving the reliability of the door opening mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a motor provided to generate driving force
Implementation Method 2
a rack cover provided on a distal end of the rack to transmit force pushed from the rack in a state of being closely attached to the cabinet or the door
Implementation Method 3
a gasket is disposed between the door and the cabinet. Thus, in a state in which the door is closed, the gasket is closely attached between the door and the cabinet to prevent cold air within the storage chamber from leaking
Implementation Method 4
the gasket may be provided as a rubber magnet, and a magnet may be provided in the gasket
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator which allows a user to easily open the doors of the refrigerator. To achieve the aforementioned purpose, provided according to one embodiment of the present invention can be a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet having storage chambers; doors for opening/closing the storage chambers; and door opening devices operating so as for the doors to open, wherein the door opening devices comprise: a motor provided so as to generate a driving force; and a rack provided in a direction diagonal to the front side of the cabinet, wherein the rack is moved in the lengthwise direction thereof by the drive of the motor.