Hinge support assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated appliances face challenges in maximizing support for hinges, which are critical for distributing the weight and forces of the door, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the appliance and minimizing thermal conductivity through the insulating cavity.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure within the appliance, comprising an upper frame portion, a vertical frame portion, and a lower frame portion, with attachment and coupling receptacles, is designed to support hinges, ensuring that downward forces, rotational forces, and torsion are effectively transferred to the base, while maintaining a hermetically sealed insulating cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a frame structure is added to support hinges, then the structural integrity and force distribution are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is nested within the insulating cavity of the appliance, utilizing the existing internal space without requiring external additions. The hinge mounts are integrated into the frame structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides enhanced support while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple portions (upper frame portion, lower frame portion, vertical frame portion) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized design of each component while simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If attachment receptacles are added to the frame, then the hinge mounting capability is improved, but the hermetic seal of the insulating cavity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment receptacles serve as intermediary elements that connect the hinge mounting function while maintaining the hermetic seal. These receptacles are designed to accommodate hinge attachment mechanisms without creating pathways for thermal or moisture infiltration into the insulating cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure exhibits local quality variations where specific portions are designed with attachment receptacles for hinge mounting, while other portions maintain continuous insulation and hermetic sealing. This localized approach allows functional requirements to be met without compromising overall seal integrity.
3Loss of energy
If the frame is disposed within the insulating cavity, then the thermal insulation performance is improved, but the available space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is positioned in three-dimensional space within the insulating cavity, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions efficiently. By distributing the frame portions throughout the cavity volume rather than concentrating them in one location, the design maximizes insulation performance while preserving usable space for other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed with flexible positioning and configuration options that allow optimization of space utilization. The frame portions can be arranged to accommodate various component layouts while maintaining their insulating function, providing dynamic adaptability in space management.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance is provided herein. The appliance includes a cabinet having a wrapper, a liner, and a trim breaker. The wrapper, the liner, and the trim breaker define an insulating cavity therebetween. An insulating material is disposed within the insulating cavity. A frame includes an upper frame portion, a vertical frame portion, and a lower frame portion. The lower portion includes a top section, a bottom section, an inner section, and a front section. A door is rotationally mounted to the cabinet via an upper hinge and a lower hinge mounted to the frame.