Refrigerator Door Planetary Gear Drive With Auxiliary Opening Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator door driving systems require increased torque to overcome magnetic forces between the door and the housing, leading to larger motor sizes and less compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A door driving system incorporating a planetary gear unit, clutch device, and auxiliary power mechanism that selectively transfers power to the hinge, allowing for reduced torque requirements by using auxiliary power to assist in opening the door and preventing unnecessary motor power transfer during door closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a plurality of gears are engaged with each other to transmit motor power to the door hinge, then the door can be automatically opened or closed, but the torque needed to overcome magnetic force between the door and housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door driving system is divided into two independent power transmission paths: one path through the clutch device for automatic door opening, and another path through the auxiliary power mechanism for assisting door opening when magnetic force is strong. This segmentation allows each path to handle specific tasks, reducing the torque burden on the motor during door closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch device acts as an intermediary between the motor and the door hinge, selectively engaging or disengaging power transmission. When the door needs to close, the clutch disengages, preventing the motor from needing to overcome strong magnetic forces, thus reducing the required motor torque.
2Force
If the torque is increased to overcome magnetic force, then the door can be opened at closed position, but the motor size should be increased accordingly
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple power sources: the motor and the auxiliary power mechanism (spring or weight). The auxiliary power mechanism stores energy that is released to assist the motor in overcoming magnetic force during door opening, allowing the motor to be smaller while still providing sufficient torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power mechanism (spring or weight) is pre-loaded with energy before door opening is needed. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to deliver high torque when needed without requiring the motor to continuously provide high power, enabling a smaller motor design.
3Ease of operation
If power is continuously transferred from the motor to the hinge, then the door can be controlled, but the motor may be damaged from excessive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch device serves as a protective intermediary that can disengage the motor from the door hinge when excessive forces are detected or anticipated (such as during door closure when magnetic force is strong). This prevents damage to the motor while still allowing normal door control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power transmission engagement based on operational conditions. The clutch device engages during normal door opening/closing operations for precise control, and disengages during conditions that would create excessive forces, providing both ease of operation and motor protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are a refrigerator includes a housing, a door rotatably installed at the housing using a hinge, and a door driving system to open or close the housing using the door. The door driving system includes a motor to output power to open or close the door, a sun gear linked with the motor, a planetary gear linked with the sun gear, and provided to be rotated about an axis thereof and to revolve, an internal gear linked with the planetary gear and configured to transfer power generated by the motor to the hinge, and a carrier configured to be rotated linked with the planetary gear and selectively support the planetary gear to be rotated about the axis thereof. When the planetary gear is rotated about the axis thereof, the power of the motor is transferred to the internal gear and thus the door is automatically opened or closed