Refrigerator Internal Flap Hinge Layout to Prevent Door Collision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household refrigeration devices face issues with the flap colliding with the door when closed with the flap open, causing damage to the hinge due to exerted forces, leading to operational unreliability.
Innovation Solution
The refrigeration device design features a pivot axis arrangement that allows a 180° pivoting movement of the flap, with a stop mechanism to absorb pressure and distribute forces away from the hinge, using an adapter with interlocking hinge parts and a rib system for secure attachment, preventing accidental detachment and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flap is positioned to allow easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the flap may protrude and collide with the door causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge axis is repositioned from a conventional location to extend beyond the front surface of the flap. This dimensional relocation allows the flap to pivot in an arc that clears the door opening, eliminating collision while preserving full accessibility. The axis extension creates additional spatial buffer zone that resolves the conflict between operational ease and collision prevention.
2Reliability
If the hinge is made robust to prevent damage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is extracted from the conventional integrated design and separated into distinct components: a simplified hinge body and a replaceable adapter. The adapter serves as an intermediary element that connects the hinge to the flap while absorbing impact forces. This extraction allows the main hinge structure to remain simple while the adapter handles the protective function, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates energy-absorbing features that cushion impact forces before they reach the hinge. This beforehand cushioning mechanism prevents force transmission to the hinge during accidental door-closed-with-flap-open events, protecting the hinge from damage without requiring a complex reinforced hinge structure.
3Reliability
If the adapter is securely anchored, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter anchoring system employs reversible dynamic features such as snap-fit connections and removable fasteners. These features provide secure anchoring during normal operation through elastic engagement and geometric interlocking, while allowing easy removal and replacement when repair is needed. The dynamic nature of the connection transitions from locked during use to releasable during maintenance.
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 operational reliability by preventing flap protrusion and damage during door closure, ensuring safe and durable operation by distributing impact forces effectively and allowing easy replacement of the adapter if damaged.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge part of the adapter can preferably be elastically deflected in the direction of the axis
Implementation Method 2
the flap can, if necessary, absorb the pressure of the door and pass it on to the hinge only to a small extent or not at all
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
In a refrigerator, in particular a domestic refrigerator, having a body and a door, which body and door delimit a storage chamber, at least one compartment of the storage chamber can be closed on the door side by a flap which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis. In the closed position of the flap, the axis runs between the door and a front surface of the flap, which front surface faces the door, or along the front surface of the flap.