refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with existing door opening devices require significant force to open the door, limiting user convenience and potentially causing unsanitary issues due to the restricted opening angle and limited rack length, which cannot be easily increased without compromising internal space.
Innovation Solution
A door opening device with a multi-stage rack mechanism that adjusts length by a mechanical mechanism driven by a motor, allowing the rack to decrease in length upon insertion and increase upon withdrawal, enabling greater door opening angles while minimizing space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the rack length is increased to enable greater door opening angles, then the door opening angle is improved, but the internal space of the door is reduced and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The single rack is divided into two separate racks (first rack and second rack). The first rack is responsible for the initial door opening phase, while the second rack extends to provide additional opening angle. This segmentation allows each rack to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall space requirement compared to a single long rack while achieving the same total opening angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the depth dimension of the door by positioning the second rack at the rear end of the first rack. The second rack extends in the depth direction rather than simply lengthening the first rack along the opening direction. This dimensional approach allows the rack mechanism to achieve greater opening angles without proportionally increasing the rack's projection into the door's internal space.
2Shape
If a single long rack is used to achieve large opening angles, then the door opening angle is improved, but the rack becomes prone to damage and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the single long rack into two shorter racks (first and second racks) reduces the length and stress concentration on each individual rack. This segmentation improves the structural integrity and durability of each rack component while collectively achieving the same functional outcome of large door opening angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controls the racks in periodic stages: first driving the first rack for initial opening, then driving both racks together for further opening. This staged periodic action allows the system to distribute mechanical stress over time and avoid continuous high-load conditions that would compromise rack durability.
3Speed
If the rack is continuously driven by motor power, then the door opening speed is improved, but the rack may be damaged due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates in periodic stages with distinct power application phases. The controller first drives the first rack, then drives both racks together, and includes periods where power is not applied. This periodic action enables controlled door opening speed while preventing continuous high-force application that could damage the racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller preliminarily drives the first rack before engaging the second rack. This preliminary action allows the door to begin opening with the first rack alone, reducing the initial mechanical load. Subsequently, when both racks are engaged, the door is already in motion, allowing for smoother acceleration and reduced peak forces on the rack system.
4Reliability
If adhesion force of the gasket is increased to prevent cool air leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but a large force is required to open the door
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening process is segmented into multiple phases using two racks, allowing the opening force to be distributed and applied progressively. This segmentation enables the system to overcome the high initial adhesion force of the gasket through staged mechanical advantage rather than requiring a single large force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor applies power periodically in controlled stages, first to the first rack and then to both racks together. This periodic power application allows the system to build up force gradually to overcome the gasket adhesion, then maintain controlled opening motion, reducing the peak force requirement compared to a single abrupt opening action.
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 easier and more convenient door opening with reduced manual force requirement, increasing the door opening angle and preventing rack damage by incorporating a break period in motor power application, thus enhancing reliability and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a motor and a pushing member configured to be withdrawn out by the motor
Implementation Method 2
the gasket may be closely adhered between the door and the cabinet to prevent leakage of cool air from the storage compartment. As adhesion force of the gasket increases, the effect of preventing leakage of cool air may increase.
Implementation Method 3
a function for automatically closing the door of the refrigerator using adhesion force and magnetic force of the gasket and elastic force of a spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigerator of the present invention comprises a cabinet, a door, and a door opening device. The door opening device comprises a motor, and a pushing member, which is drawn by operation of the motor so as to open the door. The pushing member comprises a first rack operated by the motor and to push the door or cabinet, and a second rack which is operated by the motor, is slidably connected to the first rack, and is disposed such that at least a part thereof overlaps the first rack. The first rack may move relative to the second rack in a first direction so as to open the door at a first angle. The first rack and the second rack move together in the first direction so as to open the door at a second angle which is greater than the first angle.