Refrigerator provided with a flap connection adaptor mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators with rotatable flaps for accessing upper storage divisions face issues of unaligned appearances and operational interference, leading to user complaints and increased complexity and costs due to complex connection units.
Innovation Solution
A stable attachment mechanism using serial inter-engaging tab connections with primary and secondary locking portions and latching members ensures accurate and secure positioning of the flap operating portion on the refrigeration body, allowing for stable and efficient rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection units with multiple individual connection elements are used, then the flap can be securely attached, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual connection elements into a single integrated connection unit. The connection unit comprises a first connection element with a first locking portion and a second connection element with a second locking portion, both integrated into one component that attaches to the flap. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining secure attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both the first and second locking portions for secure attachment, incorporates guiding portions for alignment, and includes restraining arms for preventing excessive movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
2Reliability
If conventional connection units are used, then the flap can be attached to the refrigeration body, but level differences between neighbouring flaps occur causing unaligned appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit incorporates guiding portions that protrude from the connection body and engage with corresponding guiding cavities in the refrigeration body before final attachment. This preliminary guiding action ensures proper alignment and positioning of the flap relative to the refrigeration body, preventing level differences between neighboring flaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit features localized guiding portions and locking portions positioned at specific locations to ensure precise alignment. The first and second locking portions are positioned to engage with corresponding elements at predetermined locations, ensuring uniform positioning across all flaps.
3Reliability
If conventional connection units are used, then the flap can be attached, but operation of one flap prevents simultaneous opening of neighbouring flaps
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is segmented into independent first and second locking portions that can operate independently of each other. Each locking portion engages with its corresponding element separately, allowing one flap to be opened without interfering with the operation of neighboring flaps. This segmentation enables simultaneous or independent operation of multiple flaps.
4Manufacturing precision
If a stable attachment mechanism with multiple locking portions is used, then the flap positioning accuracy improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking portions and guiding features are integrated into a single connection unit component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. The connection unit is designed as one piece that incorporates all necessary features for accurate positioning and secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit utilizes elastic deformation of restraining arms as a parameter change mechanism. The restraining arms are designed to flex during assembly and then lock into place, providing secure attachment without requiring complex fastening mechanisms. This elastic parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a household appliance as a refrigerator (1) having a refrigeration compartment accessed by a rotatable flap (2) connected to the inner wall of the refrigeration compartment by a flap connection portion. The present invention more particularly relates to a refrigerator (1) having an interior refrigeration cabin enclosed by a heat-insulating housing and a refrigeration cabin door, the refrigeration cabin comprising at least one storage division having a flap (2) closing the outer side thereof, the flap (2) in mechanical communication with two flap operating portions (3) is hingedly operated in open and closed positions by rotational movement relative to the flap operating portions (3).