A door opening mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic door opening mechanisms for refrigerators can cause damage to users or items due to excessive force and are not adaptable to varying door weights, and they may malfunction if the door encounters resistance during opening.
Innovation Solution
A door opening mechanism comprising a driving unit, a reducer, a gear rack, and sensors that detect resistance, allowing the mechanism to adjust torque and halt or reverse the opening process if obstacles are encountered, ensuring safe and smooth operation independent of door weight variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic door opening mechanism applies sufficient force to overcome vacuum effect, then door opening function is achieved, but user or items may be damaged by collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a damping element between the door and the actuating mechanism. This damping element absorbs excess energy and prevents direct impact, thereby cushioning the door opening process against potential damage to users or items while still enabling the door to overcome the vacuum effect and open properly.
2Device complexity
If door opening mechanism is designed for fixed door weight, then mechanism structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying door weights due to products placed on door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating a feedback control system that dynamically adjusts the actuating force based on the actual door weight and opening conditions. The control unit receives feedback from sensors monitoring door position and force, then modulates the actuator output accordingly, enabling the mechanism to adapt to varying door weights caused by different product loads without requiring a completely different structure.
3Force
If door opening mechanism operates with high force, then vacuum effect is overcome effectively, but mechanism may be damaged by reaction force from user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system that continuously monitors the door opening process and the forces involved. When the system detects user intervention or abnormal resistance, it receives feedback signals and automatically adjusts or terminates the actuating force, preventing excessive reaction forces that could damage the mechanism while still enabling effective door opening under normal conditions.
4Ease of operation
If door opening process is fully automatic, then user convenience is improved, but mechanism may malfunction when encountering resistance or obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by equipping the automatic door opening mechanism with sensors that continuously monitor the door position, force requirements, and opening progress. When the system encounters resistance or obstacles during the automatic opening process, the feedback signals trigger the control unit to adjust the actuating force or terminate the operation, preventing malfunctions while maintaining full automatic operation under normal conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a door opening mechanism (1 ) enabling opening particularly refrigerator doors, usable with current refrigerators, capable of terminating a door opening process by detecting difficulties likely to occur during opening of the door.