Refrigerator Door Hinge Cam for Springless Auto Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator auto closing apparatuses are aesthetically unappealing due to protruding components and have complex configurations with separate springs, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A semi-auto closing apparatus featuring an upper hinge module with a cam member and auto close lever that accumulates elastic force through a C or U-shaped design, eliminating the need for a separate spring and improving door sealing by using a cam surface with inclined contact surfaces to facilitate smooth door closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate spring is provided to transmit elastic force to the door, then the door closing function is achieved, but the configuration becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring component with the auto close lever into an integrated unit. The spring is positioned within the lever structure, eliminating the need for a separate spring component and simplifying the overall configuration while maintaining the door closing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto close lever is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the lever arm for door closing and houses the spring mechanism. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the auto closing apparatus.
2Reliability
If the auto close lever is mounted on the upper hinge, then the door closing mechanism functions, but the lever protrudes to the outside and spoils external appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The auto close lever is nested within the door cap structure. The lever is received in a hinge receiving part of the door cap, which conceals it from external view while allowing it to function properly in the door closing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The door cap serves as an intermediary structure that houses the auto close lever. This intermediate component allows the lever to be positioned correctly for mechanical function while being concealed from view, thus mediating between functional requirements and aesthetic requirements.
3Force
If a separate spring is provided to transmit elastic force, then elastic force transmission is achieved, but the cost of the auto closing apparatus is raised
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the spring with the auto close lever into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the total part count. This simplification leads to lower manufacturing costs due to fewer parts to produce, inventory, and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the spring from being a separate billable component and integrates it into the lever structure. This extraction of the spring as an independent part eliminates the need to manufacture and supply it separately, reducing overall apparatus cost.
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
Enhances the aesthetic appeal and simplifies the structure of the auto closing mechanism while increasing door sealing efficiency and reducing costs by integrating the elastic force accumulation within the door's closing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an auto close lever installed on the door cap so as to be received in the hinge receiving part, and having elasticity to transmit elastic force to the at least one door in the closing direction of the at least one door when the at least one door is closed
Implementation Method 2
a cam member installed on the extension part of the at least one upper hinge module, and including a cam surface contacting the auto close lever so that the auto close lever accumulates elastic force and transmits the elastic force to the at least one door when the at least one door is closed
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator which improves the structure of an auto closing apparatus, increases the sealing ability of a door, and omits mounting of a separate spring. The refrigerator includes at least one door opening and closing at least one storage chamber provided in a main body, at least one upper hinge module including a body part and an extension part rotatably coupled to the at least one door, at least one lower hinge module, a door cap installed on an upper portion of the at least one door and including a hinge receiving part, an auto close lever coupled to the door cap and has elasticity to transmit elastic force to the door, and a cam member including a cam surface contacting the auto close lever so that the auto close lever accumulates elastic force and then transmits the elastic force to the door when the door is closed.