Refrigerator Door Opening Rack for Larger Auto-Open Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators with auto-opening door mechanisms are limited by the restricted length of the door opening device, which restricts the opening angle to around 25 degrees, causing inconvenience and potential unsanitary issues due to the need for users to manually open the door further while holding items.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage rack system is introduced, where the first and second racks are connected and moved together to increase the door opening angle, with a power transmission mechanism using gears and transferring members to minimize space constraints and prevent friction and noise, allowing the door to open automatically to a greater extent without manual force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rack length is increased to increase door opening angle, then the door opening angle is improved, but the device length and space occupation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into a first rack and a second rack that can move relative to each other. The first rack is driven by the motor to withdraw and push the cabinet, while the second rack can extend further when the door needs to open beyond the first rack's travel distance. This segmentation allows the system to achieve a larger effective opening angle without requiring a single excessively long rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The first rack is disposed inside the second rack, with the first rack slideably coupled to the second rack. This nested configuration allows both racks to occupy minimal space when retracted, while enabling extended reach when needed. The first rack can move independently within the second rack's length, and both can move together as a unit, effectively multiplying the opening capability without proportionally increasing the stored length.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first rack and second rack move independently, then the door opening flexibility is improved, but friction and wear between racks are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A transferring member is provided between the first rack and second rack to facilitate their relative movement. This intermediary component enables the first rack to extend beyond the second rack's position and transfer motion between the two racks, reducing direct friction and wear between the rack bodies while maintaining the flexibility needed for various door opening scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the rack is made longer to increase withdrawal distance, then the door opening angle is improved, but the device complexity and space constraint are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure is segmented into two manageable racks rather than one long complex rack. Each rack has its own gear engagement points and can be controlled independently or together, simplifying the mechanical design compared to a single extended rack while achieving the same functional outcome of increased opening angle.
Solution Approach 2:
By nesting the first rack within the second rack, the overall device complexity is reduced. The nested configuration allows both racks to share mounting points and support structures, minimizing the number of separate components needed while still providing the extended reach capability.
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 multi-stage rack system enables the door to open to a larger angle, reducing the required manual effort and preventing unsanitary issues by allowing greater access to the storage compartment while maintaining compactness when closed, thus enhancing user convenience and reducing friction and noise.
Implementation Method 1
the gasket may be formed of, for example, a rubber magnet or a magnet may be provided in the gasket
Implementation Method 2
an auto closing function refers to a function for automatically closing the door of the refrigerator using adhesion force and magnetic force of the gasket and elastic force of a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a door opening device configured to open the door. The door opening device includes a driving unit and a pushing member configured to be pushed out by the driving unit to thereby open the door. The pushing member includes a first rack configured to be driven by the driving unit in a first direction, and a second rack configured to be driven by the driving unit in the first direction. The first rack is slidably coupled to the second rack to thereby move relative to the second rack.