Refrigerator Hinge Bracket with Threaded Adjustment for Door Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator doors often misalign with the main housing, leading to slamming issues and damage to contents, and existing hinges lack adjustable features to prevent these problems.
Innovation Solution
A hinge bracket mechanism with adjustable components, including U-shaped adjustment plates and threaded bars, allows for vertical and horizontal adjustments, and incorporates a dampening system using a gas, pneumatic, or fluid dampener to prevent slamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a hinge is used to move the door outwardly away from the main housing prior to pivoting, then the door can clear the cabinet, but the door cannot be easily adjusted vertically or horizontally
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The mounting bracket includes threaded adjustment mechanisms that allow the hinge position to be dynamically changed vertically and horizontally, enabling the door to be repositioned to clear cabinets while maintaining adjustability capability.
2Ease of operation
If the door is allowed to pivot freely, then the door can open easily, but the door may be slammed against the main housing causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system applies a preliminary counteracting force through its mechanical design to prevent the harmful effect of slamming. The adjustable hinge position and mounting configuration create a controlled pivot path that reduces the impact force when the door closes, preventing damage to food items and components.
3Shape
If the door is mounted closely adjacent to the cabinetry, then a custom look is provided, but the door hits the cabinet when swung open
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system uses adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the door to be positioned at an optimal angle and distance from the cabinet. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the door to maintain close proximity to the cabinetry for aesthetic purposes while being repositioned to clear the cabinet during opening operations.
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
Enables precise alignment of the refrigerator door with the main housing, preventing slamming and reducing wear and tear, while ensuring secure mounting and improved operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates a dampening system using a gas, pneumatic, or fluid dampener to prevent slamming
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator door hinge bracket mechanism (40) has a door mounting assembly (45) and a base mounting assembly (46). The door mounting assembly includes a hinge mounting plate (49). The base mounting assembly includes an adjustment mechanism (52) which has a U-shaped adjustment plate (50) coupled to the hinge mounting plate, a threaded lower adjustment bar (55) with a threaded lower adjustment block (56) and which has a top camming surface (58), a threaded upper adjustment bar (60) with a threaded upper adjustment block (61) which has a lower cam following surface (63) configured to mate with camming surface. The upper adjustment block includes opening (64) therethrough which aligns with an opening (65) extending through adjustment plate and a hole (66) in the hinge mounting plate. A threaded bolt (67) passes through the three holes to mount the adjustment mechanism to the hinge mounting plate with adjustable movement therebetween.