Refrigerator Handle Sliding Assembly to Prevent Scratches and Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerator handle assembly methods either complicate assembly with screws, leading to low convenience and potential scratches, or simplify assembly but risk separation or gaps when assembled with force, affecting the external appearance.

Innovation Solution

A handle assembly method for refrigerators that uses a combination of inclined parts, guide rails, and sliding connectors to securely attach handles to doors and drawers, reducing the number of fastening units and preventing scratches, while maintaining ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If both ends of the handle are fastened by screws, then the handle is securely attached to the door or drawer, but the assembly process becomes complicated and scratches may be generated on the surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from traditional screw connections and relocates it to an inclined part integrated into the handle fixing unit. The fastening unit engages with the inclined part to provide secure attachment without requiring separate screws, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fastening unit as an intermediary component that bridges the handle and the door/drawer through the inclined part mechanism. This intermediary enables secure attachment while avoiding direct screw contact with the handle surface, preventing scratches and simplifying the assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If both ends of the handle are fastened by screws, then the handle is securely attached to the door or drawer, but the number of fastening units increases and assembly time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidnumber of fastening units

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fastening function into the handle fixing unit itself through the inclined part mechanism. Instead of using separate screws as fastening units, the fastening unit integrates the attachment function directly into the handle assembly structure, reducing the total number of fastening components while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the handle is assembled with a large force, then the handle is securely attached to the door or drawer, but scratches are easily generated on the surface of the door or drawer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidsurface scratches

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the fastening unit and inclined part mechanism as intermediaries between the handle and the door/drawer surface. This intermediary system distributes the assembly force through the fastening unit engaging with the inclined part, avoiding direct high-force contact that would cause scratches while still achieving secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional direct mechanical fastening system (screws) with an inclined plane mechanism. The inclined part converts the assembly force into a controlled engagement process, reducing the need for high force and preventing surface damage while maintaining attachment security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If the handle is assembled in a sliding manner without fastening by screws, then assembly convenience is improved, but the handle may be separated from the door or drawer or gaps may be generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly convenienceVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic fastening mechanism where the fastening unit engages with the inclined part during assembly. This dynamic engagement provides secure attachment without requiring permanent screw fastening, maintaining both assembly convenience and attachment reliability through a reversible yet secure connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9009969B2Refrigerator and handle assembly method thereof

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A refrigerator which increases convenience in assembly of a handle and reduces generation of scratches on doors and drawers in assembly of the handle, and a handle assembly method thereof, is provided. The refrigerator includes doors rotatably combined with a main body, a handle combined with each door to open and close each door, a first handle fixing unit assembled with each door to fix the handle to each door and provided with an inclined part fixed to the handle by a fastening unit, a second handle fixing unit assembled with each door to fix the handle to each door and combined with the handle in a sliding manner, a first connector assembled with the handle and fastened to the first handle fixing unit by the fastening unit, and a second connector assembled with the handle and combined with the second handle fixing unit in the sliding manner.