Refrigerator Door Spring System for Automatic Closing and Holding Open
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator doors often fail to balance easy access with high energy efficiency, as they may inadvertently remain open, leading to reduced efficiency and hindered loading/unloading due to automatic closure.
Innovation Solution
A door system with a spring element that automatically closes the door at a first limit angle and opens it at a second limit angle, allowing easy access and efficient sealing, using a single spring element for both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refrigerator door is mounted on an inclined plane to enable automatic closing, then the door automatically returns to closed position, but the storage space required increases and automatic closing hinders removal and insertion of goods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic spring element that can change its mechanical state based on door position. The spring element transitions between a first state (pressing door closed) and a second state (holding door open), enabling the door system to adapt its behavior dynamically rather than following a fixed mechanical path like an inclined plane
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element changes its operational parameters (force direction and magnitude) based on the door's opening angle. When the door is partially open (below first limit angle), the spring exerts closing force. When fully open (above second limit angle), the spring switches to holding open state, optimizing both energy efficiency and ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If the refrigerator door is left open to allow easy access, then goods can be quickly inserted and removed, but thermal losses increase and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The door system serves itself by automatically detecting its own state and taking appropriate action. The spring element monitors the door position and automatically transitions between closing and holding states, eliminating the need for user intervention to ensure proper door closure and minimize energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates implicit feedback through the spring element's response to door position. The spring continuously adjusts its force based on whether the door is partially open or fully open, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains energy efficiency while allowing easy access
3Device complexity
If a single spring element is used for both closing and holding open functions, then device complexity is reduced, but the spring element must perform multiple functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it acts as a closing spring when the door is partially open and as a holding spring when the door is fully open. This multi-functionality is achieved through the spring's ability to change its mechanical state based on position, eliminating the need for separate closing and holding mechanisms
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
Ensures easy loading/unloading without obstruction while maintaining high energy efficiency by automatically closing the door when partially open and keeping it open when fully open, using a single spring element for both operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element which is connected to the refrigerator door and is suitable for engaging with the refrigerator in such a way that the refrigerator door is pressed into the closed position by the spring element at an opening angle smaller than a first limit angle and is pressed into the open position by the spring element at an opening angle greater than a second limit angle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a door system (10) for a refrigerator, and to a refrigeration appliance comprising said type of door system (10).