Refrigerator Hinge Damper Surface Contact Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator designs with damping systems protrude and compromise the aesthetic appeal and storage capacity, while also being prone to damage and noise generation due to the exposed damper components.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a hinge assembly with a damper contact part that surface-contacts a contact end, where the damper contact part is concavely formed on the hinge case, allowing the damper and hinge assembly to surface-contact each other, reducing wear and noise, and incorporating a reinforcement member to enhance durability and concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the damper components are exposed and protrude from the refrigerator body, then the damping function is easily accessible and effective, but the aesthetic quality deteriorates and the components become prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The damper assembly is nested within the hinge case, with the damper housing positioned inside the hinge case cavity. The damper contact part of the hinge case provides structural support while concealing the damper components from external view and damage, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge case is designed with a specific local structure including a damper contact part that provides both aesthetic concealment and functional support. The local quality of the hinge case material and structure is optimized to protect the damper components while maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator.
2Force
If the damper components are exposed, then the damping force is directly applicable to the door, but wear and noise generation increase due to exposed contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The damper contact part of the hinge case serves as an intermediary between the damper piston rod and the door. This intermediate structure provides a protected contact surface that reduces wear and noise while effectively transmitting the damping force to control door movement.
3Shape
If the damper housing is positioned inside the hinge case, then the aesthetic quality and protection improve, but the damping functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The damper housing is nested within the hinge case cavity, allowing the damper components to be concealed while maintaining full functional capability. The hinge case provides structural support through the damper contact part, ensuring that the nesting arrangement does not compromise damping functionality.
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 design improves the aesthetic quality, reduces wear and noise, and enhances the durability of the damping system by concentrating the pressing force and protecting the damper and hinge assemblies from damage, while maintaining effective damping functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The damper may provide a damping force by using a resistant force caused by friction that is generated while a charging material such as oil or gas charging the damper passes through an orifice.
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerator is provided with a door assembly... and a damper configured to move in association with a rotation of the door and to generate a damping force by contacting the hinge assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet provided with a storage compartment; a door rotatably installed at the cabinet and configured to open and close the storage compartment; a hinge assembly configured to rotatably connect the door to the cabinet; and a damper configured to move in association with a rotation of the door, and to generate a damping force by contacting the hinge assembly. The damper is provided in such a way that the damper surface-contacts the hinge assembly.