Refrigerator and home appliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators face challenges in easily changing door designs and preventing the edge of a door panel from separating from the door body during assembly or disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a door system with rotatable trims, a fixing member, and a buffer member, allowing the door panel to be securely coupled and easily detached from the door body, using trims with cut-out portions and protrusions for alignment and attachment, and a buffer member to absorb impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the door panel is fixed to the door body using traditional methods, then the door structure is stable, but the door design cannot be easily changed and the panel edge may separate during assembly or disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into distinct components: door body, door panel, trims (first and second), and fixing members. This segmentation allows the panel to be easily detached and reattached for design changes while maintaining secure attachment through the trim-and-fixing-member system. The first trim rotates with respect to the door body, and the second trim couples with the fixing member, creating modular attachment points that enable design flexibility without compromising structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the door panel is made detachable for easy design changes, then adaptability improves, but the risk of edge separation during assembly or disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first trim is configured to be coupled to the door body while being rotated with respect to the door body, creating a gradual, controlled engagement process. The second trim is configured to be coupled when the first trim is already coupled, providing a staged attachment sequence that prevents sudden edge separation. The fixing member further secures the second trim, ensuring the panel edge remains stable throughout the assembly and disassembly processes.
3Reliability
If traditional fixed attachment methods are used, then panel stability is maintained, but assembly and disassembly processes are complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The first trim is designed to rotate with respect to the door body during coupling, providing a dynamic attachment mechanism that is both simple to operate and ensures stable connection. This rotational coupling allows for easy alignment and attachment while maintaining firm fixation. The second trim and fixing member provide additional static securing, creating a hybrid system that combines ease of operation with reliable stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including a main body forming a storage compartment, and a door configured to open and close the storage compartment. The door includes a door body rotatably coupled to the main body and including an insulator therein, a panel body positioned in a front of the door body, a first trim disposed at a first edge of the panel body and configured to be coupled to the door body while being rotated with respect to the door body, and a second trim disposed at a second edge opposite to the first edge of the panel body and configured to be coupled to the door body when the first trim is coupled to the door body.