Refrigerator and door assembly therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator door assemblies with turnover beams suffer from poor coordination, complex structures, and reliability issues due to independent return mechanisms and multiple springs, which complicate assembly and hinder mass production.
Innovation Solution
A door assembly with a turnover beam that integrates a locking part and an elastic part to achieve an anti-turnover function, simplifying the structure and improving coordination through a single locking mechanism and elastic pre-tightening force, while limiting the telescopic track of the locking part to enhance reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple return springs and independent return mechanisms are used for the protrusion and link mechanism, then the turnover beam can return when the door is opened, but the coordination between components is poor and the reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the return mechanisms of the protrusion and link mechanism into a single integrated structure. The link mechanism serves dual functions: guiding the protrusion during door closing and providing the return path during door opening. This eliminates the need for separate return springs for each component, reducing the number of parts and improving coordination between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a guide rail for the protrusion during the closing phase and a return path during the opening phase. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a link mechanism with complex structure is used for the turnover beam, then the anti-turnover and guiding functions can be achieved, but the occupied space is large, mounting is difficult and part universality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. The guide portion and return portion are integrated into a single link structure that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, quality control, and assembly while maintaining the complex functional requirements for anti-turnover and guiding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the link mechanism to achieve the required anti-turnover and guiding functions with minimized dimensions. By carefully selecting the length, angle, and position of the link components, the design achieves the necessary functionality while reducing the occupied space and simplifying the mounting process.
3Productivity
If the turnover beam structure is simplified with integrated locking and elastic parts, then the structure becomes more reasonable and mass production is facilitated, but the coordination between components must be precisely maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part and elastic part are pre-assembled and pre-adjusted as a integrated unit before final installation on the turnover beam. The elastic pre-tightening force is pre-configured to the correct value, and the locking geometry is pre-verified for proper engagement. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the component is installed, the coordination and alignment are already optimized, facilitating mass production while maintaining precision.
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 integrated locking and elastic mechanism simplifies the turnover beam assembly, enhances part universality, facilitates mass production, and improves sealing efficiency by ensuring precise alignment and reliable operation of the turnover beam.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic part configured to apply, to the locking part, an elastic pre-tightening force for urging the locking part into the locking state
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a refrigerator and a door assembly therefor; the door assembly includes two oppositely arranged doors and a turnover beam assembly, wherein the turnover beam assembly includes: a turnover beam body; a guide part extending out of one end of the turnover beam body and configured to be fitted with a retainer provided on a cabinet of the refrigerator; a locking part telescopically provided in the turnover beam body and having a first end fixedly connected with the guide part and a second end having a locking portion, the locking part having an unlocking state and a locking state. In the present invention, an anti-turnover function of the turnover beam body is achieved using the locking part and the elastic part, which improves coordination among all components, makes an internal structure of the turnover beam assembly more reasonable, achieves high practicability, and realizes easy popularization.