Refrigerator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional double-door refrigerators face issues with the second door separating from the first door due to inertial forces when the first door is closed or suddenly stopped, leading to potential accidents and design damage, while existing locking systems are often exposed and compromise insulation and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A locking device is integrated into the first door, featuring a moving member that changes positions based on the first door's opening state, allowing the second door to rotate only when the first door is closed, using a hooking member and stopper mechanism to prevent separation and maintain insulation and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is provided to prevent the second door from separating, then safety and reliability are improved, but the locking device may be exposed which compromises insulation and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is nested within the first door structure, with the moving member, hooking member, and stopper integrated into the door's internal space. The locking mechanism is concealed behind the first door's outer surface, allowing the second door to be locked without exposing any locking components from the exterior, thus maintaining both insulation and aesthetic appearance while preventing door separation.
2Ease of operation
If the second door is rotatable with respect to the first door for ease of operation, then accessibility is improved, but the second door may separate from the first door due to inertial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the moving member automatically changes position based on the first door's opening state. When the first door is closed, the moving member engages the stopper to lock the second door. When the first door is opened, the moving member disengages to allow the second door to rotate freely, providing conditional rotation that ensures safety during normal operation while maintaining accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving member acts as an intermediary between the first door's opening/closing action and the locking/unlocking of the second door. It translates the first door's position into corresponding locking state changes, automatically mediating between the need for rotation accessibility and the need to prevent inertial separation.
3Extent of automation
If the locking device uses a moving member with different displacements according to door state, then automatic locking control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be self-operating through the moving member that automatically responds to the first door's opening and closing movements. The moving member's displacement is directly driven by the door's motion, eliminating the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems. This self-service mechanism achieves automatic locking control while minimizing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet including a storage compartment provided therein; a first door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment; a second door rotatably coupled to the first door and comprising a stopper; a locking device configured to selectively allow the rotation of the second door with respect to the first door, wherein the locking device includes a moving member having different displacements according to an opening/closing state of the first door; and a hooking member having different displacements according to the displacements of the moving member and selectively hooking the stopper thereto.