Refrigerator Hinge Cover Mounting for Flush Gap-Free Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge systems for household appliances, such as refrigeration units, face issues with the door opening angle being insufficient and force absorption, and the cover warping or forming unsightly gaps with the control panel due to positional tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A cover for the bearing bracket is connected directly to the household appliance using a connecting device with latching hooks and an elastic rib, allowing for precise fitting and flexible engagement to absorb manufacturing tolerances, preventing gaps and oblique arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cover is attached to the bearing bracket, then the cover can be easily positioned, but manufacturing tolerances cause the cover to warp or break and create unsightly gaps with the control panel
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into multiple latching hooks that engage with corresponding recesses in the control panel, distributing the connection points to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and prevent warping while maintaining precise alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device acts as an intermediary element between the cover and the control panel, providing a flexible connection that absorbs manufacturing tolerances and prevents direct stress transmission that would cause warping or gaps
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cover is rigidly fixed to the bearing bracket, then the cover maintains its position, but positional tolerances of the bearing bracket cause the cover to form gaps or oblique arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device provides a dynamic connection that allows for adjustment and compensation of positional tolerances, enabling the cover to maintain stable alignment with the control panel despite variations in bearing bracket positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The latching hooks are designed with specific geometric parameters that allow for controlled movement and adjustment, enabling the cover to adapt to positional tolerances while maintaining flush alignment with the control panel
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
The solution ensures a form-fitting, flush cover attachment that prevents warping and gaps, maintaining aesthetic integrity and effective force absorption, even with positional tolerances, enhancing the appliance's operational and visual performance.
Implementation Method 1
The flexibility of the cover can be increased if this latching hook is connected to the cover via an elastic rib
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a household appliance (9), in particular a refrigerator, and a cover (40) for covering a mounting angle (10) which is fastened to the household appliance (9) and is used for mounting a door (9a) of the household appliance (9). The cover (40) comprises a device (42) for connecting the cover (40) to the household appliance (9) and is not connected to the mounting angle (10).