Refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerator designs with lifting mechanisms for drawer-type doors often expose the lifting mechanism externally, leading to safety concerns, poor aesthetics, and reduced storage capacity due to the need for a larger internal space for the mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electric device for elevation within the front panel door part and a mechanical device for elevating the drawer part outside the door, which prevents exposure of the elevating constituents and maintains a clean, aesthetically pleasing exterior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lifting mechanism is disposed inside the refrigerator, then safety and aesthetics are improved, but storage capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting mechanism is repositioned from the horizontal interior space to the vertical exterior surface of the refrigerator door. The motor assembly is mounted on the outer surface of the door, utilizing the external dimensional space rather than consuming internal storage volume, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety and storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the lifting mechanism is disposed inside the refrigerator, then aesthetics are improved, but serviceability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaestheticsVSAvoidserviceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting mechanism is designed as a separable module that can be independently removed from the door assembly. The motor assembly and support assembly are configured to be detachable, allowing service personnel to access and repair the mechanism without dismantling the entire door structure, thus maintaining both aesthetic appearance and serviceability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Force

If the motor size is increased to provide sufficient force, then elevation capability is improved, but internal volume loss and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevation forceVSAvoidinternal volume loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces a direct-drive motor system with a motor-screw rod mechanism. The motor assembly drives a screw rod that converts rotational motion into linear motion, providing mechanical advantage. This substitution allows a smaller motor to generate sufficient elevation force while reducing the internal volume required and minimizing noise through the mechanical transmission system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If the lifting mechanism is exposed outside, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but safety and aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting mechanism components are nested within the door structure. The motor assembly is housed in a motor case that is integrated into the door, and the support assembly is positioned within the door framework. This nesting arrangement conceals the mechanism from external view, improving safety and aesthetics while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This design enhances safety by concealing the elevating mechanism, improves the refrigerator's appearance, maintains storage capacity, and reduces noise during operation while allowing for stable and efficient elevation of the drawer part.

Implementation Method 1

a motor assembly configured to provide a driving force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a screw assembly configured to perform an elevation operation based on the driving force from the motor assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12281843B2Refrigerator

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A refrigerator includes: a cabinet; a drawer door assembly including a front panel door part and a drawer part that defines an accommodation space; a rail that movably configured to connect the drawer door assembly to the cabinet and enable the drawer door assembly to insert into and withdraw from the cabinet; a driving device located at the front panel door part and configured to provide power; and an elevation device located in the drawer part and configured to be coupled to the driving device and elevate a portion of the drawer part relative to the front panel door part. The driving device includes: a motor assembly configured to provide driving force; a screw assembly configured to perform an elevation operation based on the driving force; and a lever that connects the screw assembly to the elevation device and that is configured to rotate based on the elevation operation.