Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic drawer systems in refrigerators can malfunction, leading to unintended opening and potential safety hazards as the heavy drawer may fall and hit users, especially when operated by proximity sensors or user error.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorption module is integrated into the drawer's front panel, featuring a thermo plastic elastomer (TPE) structure with buffer ends and a close contact pad to absorb shocks and prevent injuries by buffering the impact when the drawer opens unexpectedly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the drawer is provided in the lower portion of the cabinet, then the storage capacity is improved, but the user convenience deteriorates as the user should bend over at the waist while keeping away from the front panel
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is automatically opened before the user needs to access it, based on predetermined conditions such as approach detection or timing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for the user to bend over and manually open the drawer, resolving the contradiction between maintaining lower-position storage and improving user convenience
2Ease of operation
If the automatic opening technology is used, then the user convenience is improved, but the safety deteriorates as the drawer may be automatically opened regardless of user's intention and hit a user's instep
Solution Approach 1:
A shock absorption module is installed on the drawer to provide beforehand cushioning against potential impact. This module includes shock absorbing members positioned to cushion the drawer's movement, preventing injury to users' insteps while maintaining the automatic opening convenience
3Productivity
If the drawer is automatically opened, then the productivity is improved, but the harmful factors increase as the drawer may fall downward due to the door's weight and hit a user's instep
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorption module provides beforehand cushioning by incorporating shock absorbing members that activate during drawer movement. This prevents the drawer from falling and hitting users while maintaining automatic opening productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harmful impact of the automatically opening drawer is converted into a beneficial shock absorption mechanism. The shock absorbing members transform the harmful kinetic energy of the falling drawer into controlled cushioning force, protecting users while maintaining system productivity
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 shock absorption module effectively minimizes the risk of safety accidents by absorbing shocks, preventing the drawer from causing injury to users' insteps or damaging the floor, even when the drawer malfunctions or is operated by mistake.
Implementation Method 1
A shock absorption module is integrated into the drawer's front panel, featuring a thermo plastic elastomer (TPE) structure with buffer ends and a close contact pad to absorb shocks and prevent injuries
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorption module is integrated into the drawer's front panel, featuring a thermo plastic elastomer (TPE) structure
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator may include: a cabinet, a drawer, and a shock absorption module. The shock absorption module may be provided on a lower surface of a front panel (constituting the drawer) and may be configured to absorb a shock caused by a hitting on a floor when the drawer is opened. A user may be prevented from suffering a safety accident caused by automatic opening of the drawer, and the user may easily install the shock absorption module and easily perform maintenance thereof.