Refrigerator and/or freezer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators and freezers lack sufficient space for accommodating functional elements like bearings, closing dampers, and electronic components due to design constraints, limiting their functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A receiving element is detachably connected to the door, featuring recesses for bearings and electronic components, and extending into the protruding area outside the circumferential seal, allowing for the inclusion of closing dampers, cable guides, and power/data supply means, optimizing the use of the protruding space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the door has a projecting section outside the sealing area to improve appearance, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but space for functional elements remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element utilizes the projecting section of the door (second area) that extends beyond the sealing area (first area) in the vertical dimension. By placing functional elements in this previously underutilized protruding region, the invention increases available space without compromising the aesthetic appearance that the projecting section provides.
Solution Approach 2:
The door structure is segmented into two distinct areas: the first area within the sealing circumference and the second area (projecting section) outside the sealing area. The receiving element is specifically positioned in the second area, separating functional element placement from the sealing function, thereby allowing both aesthetic appearance and functional space requirements to be met simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If functional elements are integrated into the door structure, then functionality is improved, but the complexity of the door assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows the door assembly to be produced in modular sections, reducing overall assembly complexity while still integrating multiple functional elements (bearings, dampers, electronic components) into a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the door, accommodates bearings for pivotable movement, houses closing dampers, and integrates electronic components with power and data supply. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity while enhancing functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If the receiving element extends into the protruding area, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element is designed as a detachable module that can be manufactured separately from the main door structure. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components using standard production techniques, while the final assembly achieves optimal space utilization by extending into the protruding second area of the door.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with at least one body and at least one door or flap which can be pivoted relative to the body, wherein the door or flap has a first region which is bounded by a peripheral seal when the door or flap is closed, and wherein the door or flap has at least one second region lying outside said first region, wherein the second region contains at least one receiving element in which one or more functional elements of the refrigerator and/or freezer are arranged.