Integrated Refrigerator Door Frame With Ribs to Prevent Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator door frames require separate coupling members and reinforcing elements, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity, and are prone to durability issues due to gaps and bending between frame pieces.
Innovation Solution
An integrally formed refrigerator door frame with ribs, manufactured using a single injection molding process, eliminating the need for separate coupling and reinforcing members, and enhancing durability by reducing contraction and deformity through hollow spaces in the ribs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate coupling members and reinforcing members are used to assemble the frame, then the frame can be manufactured with modular components, but the manufacturing cost increases and the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate frame pieces into a single integrally formed frame structure. The injection molding process creates one unified component that replaces the traditional assembly of multiple separate pieces, eliminating coupling members and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally formed frame is designed with distinct functional sections (first side section, second side section, third side section, fourth side section) that are formed as one piece. This segmentation allows each section to serve its specific function while being manufactured as a unified structure, combining the benefits of modular design with integral construction.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple frame pieces are coupled together to form the door frame, then the frame can be assembled from separate components, but gaps form between frame pieces and durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate frame pieces into a single integrally formed structure through injection molding. This eliminates the gaps and weak connection points that exist between coupled components, resulting in a frame with superior durability and structural integrity while maintaining the ability to manufacture complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is formed using injection molded material that provides both structural strength and flexibility. The integral construction allows for optimized material distribution throughout the frame structure, enhancing durability while eliminating the need for additional coupling members.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coupling members are used to connect frame pieces, then the frame can be assembled from separate parts, but additional components increase manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates coupling members by forming the entire frame as a single integral structure. This reduces the total number of components and eliminates the need for separate fasteners, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining design flexibility through the integral molding process.
4Strength
If separate reinforcing members are used to prevent frame bending, then the frame structure can be strengthened, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates reinforcing features directly into the integral frame structure during the injection molding process. The frame sections themselves provide structural reinforcement, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing members while maintaining or enhancing the frame's resistance to bending and deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame design incorporates varying wall thicknesses and structural densities in different regions to provide localized reinforcement where needed. This allows the frame to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to bending without adding uniform complexity throughout the entire structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator door frame apparatus and method. In one embodiment, a refrigerator door frame: a first side section forming a first side of the door frame; a second side section forming a second side of the door frame; a third side section forming a third side of the door frame, the third side section integrally coupled to the first side section and the second side section; and a fourth side section forming a fourth side of the door frame; the fourth side section integrally coupled to the first side section and the second side section; wherein the first side section, the second side section, the third side section, and the fourth side section are integrally formed with one another, and one or more ribs are formed on one or more of the first side section, the second side section, the third side section, and the fourth side section.