Refrigerator Duct Nesting Design to Hide Assembly Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly gap between the duct and the inner case of a refrigerator is exposed, affecting the aesthetics and requiring additional effort to minimize, thereby prolonging the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
The duct is designed with one end inserted into a recessed accommodating groove of the inner case, creating an invisible assembly gap and allowing for a separation space, which enhances aesthetics and reduces manufacturing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the duct is mounted on the inner case, then the assembly gap is generated, but the aesthetics inside the refrigerator deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is nested within the accommodating groove of the inner case, with the groove recessed toward the outer case. This nesting structure allows the duct to be positioned within the groove while maintaining a separation space, thereby hiding the assembly gap and preserving aesthetics without complicating the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodating groove is recessed in the depth direction (toward the outer case) rather than attempting to eliminate the gap in the front-rear direction. This dimensional approach moves the gap-hiding solution into the depth dimension, allowing the duct to be visible yet the assembly gap to remain hidden, thus resolving the aesthetic issue without affecting manufacturing ease.
2Shape
If extra effort is spent to minimize the assembly gap, then the aesthetics is improved, but the production cycle is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodating groove is pre-formed on the inner case before duct installation. This preliminary structure automatically positions the duct and creates the separation space, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustments or additional efforts to minimize gaps, thereby maintaining aesthetics while preserving production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct is nested within the pre-formed accommodating groove, which automatically provides the separation space needed to hide assembly gaps. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for additional gap-minimizing operations, resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and production cycle time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the duct design is changed, then the functionality is improved, but the inner case design is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The inner case is segmented with a dedicated accommodating groove that is structurally separate from the main inner case body. This segmentation allows the duct to be positioned within the groove independently, enabling duct design changes without requiring modifications to the overall inner case structure, thus maintaining design flexibility while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodating groove serves multiple functions: it positions the duct, creates the separation space to hide assembly gaps, and provides a standardized mounting structure. This multi-functionality allows various duct designs to be accommodated within the same groove structure, enhancing adaptability without increasing inner case complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes an inner case defining a storage compartment; an outer case coupled to an outside of the inner case; and a duct mounted to the inner case and configured to provide a flow path to supply air to the storage compartment, wherein the inner case may include a first accommodating groove that is recessed toward the outer case, and one end of the duct is disposed in the first accommodating groove and is spaced apart from a surface of the first accommodating groove.