Refrigerator Door Push Member Orientation for Greater Opening Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with auto closing functions face limitations in increasing the opening angle of the door without compromising the aesthetics or causing damage to the push rods and gears, as the existing push rod design requires a large force to open and close the door, and is prone to damage from external forces.
Innovation Solution
A door opening device with a push member that includes a rack gear and a rack cover, where the rack cover contacts the cabinet or door to increase the opening angle while minimizing exposure and force requirements, and a magnetic field generation device with a reed switch assembly to detect external opening forces and prevent damage by automatically returning the push member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the push rod is disposed adjacent to the boundary of two doors to receive driving force from the driving motor, then the door can be opened smoothly, but the opening angle of the door per unit length of the push rod is low, requiring the push rod to increase in length which deteriorates aesthetics and causes damage from emergency return
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a horizontal configuration (push rod parallel to door boundary) to a vertical configuration (push rod perpendicular to door boundary, extending from cabinet top surface). This dimensional change allows the push rod to achieve greater opening angle per unit length while reducing exposed length for better aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gear mechanism as an intermediary between the driving motor and the push rod. The gear transmits and transforms the driving force, enabling the push rod to be positioned optimally for both aesthetic appearance and effective door opening operation.
2Length of moving object
If the push rod length is increased to increase the opening angle of the door, then the opening angle increases, but the exposed portion of the push rod lengthens causing deterioration of aesthetics and vulnerability to external force damage
Solution Approach 1:
The push rod is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement extending from the cabinet top surface. This dimensional change achieves the required opening angle through vertical displacement rather than horizontal extension, minimizing exposed length and improving aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rod is pre-positioned within the cabinet structure, with only the necessary minimal portion exposed. The driving motor and gear mechanism are pre-arranged to transmit force efficiently to this compactly positioned push rod, achieving both aesthetic and functional requirements.
3Reliability
If the gasket adhesion force is increased to prevent leakage of cool air, then the sealing effect improves, but a large force is required to open the door
Solution Approach 1:
A gear mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the driving motor and the push rod. This gear system provides mechanical advantage, multiplying the driving force to overcome the high adhesion force of the gasket while maintaining smooth and controlled door opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the force transmission parameters through the gear mechanism, transforming the motor's rotational torque into amplified linear force at the push rod. This parameter transformation enables the system to overcome high gasket adhesion forces efficiently.
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 allows for a greater opening angle of the door per unit length of the push member, enhances the door's opening mechanism without altering the outer case structure, and prevents damage by detecting external forces and controlling the push member's movement.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generation device with a reed switch assembly to detect external opening forces
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes: a cabinet; a door rotatably connected to the cabinet by a hinge; and a door opening device for opening the door. The door opening device includes a driving motor and a push member configured to move in the forward/backward direction. The push member includes a first end portion positioned close to the front surface of the cabinet and a second end portion positioned on the opposite side of the first end portion. The cabinet includes a cabinet side wall positioned close to the hinge. The door includes a door side wall positioned close to the hinge. When the door is closed, the horizontal distance between the first end portion and the cabinet side wall or the door side wall is smaller than the horizontal distance between the second end portion and the cabinet side wall or the door side wall.