Refrigerator Housing Hinge Mount for Simpler Flap Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator housing designs require a complex and laborious assembly process for the pivotable flaps, involving screwing of bearing components and reinforcement parts, which complicates the attachment and can lead to assembly errors and reduced load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration appliance housing with bearing elements mounted on a backing part that penetrates the side wall through pre-punched openings, allowing for simple attachment and forming a load-bearing unit with the insulating material, and a U-shaped projection for easy flap installation, along with a stop pin for precise pivoting control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bearing components are mounted on side walls using screws and reinforcement parts, then the flap can be pivotably fixed, but the assembly process becomes complex and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing component is divided into two separate parts: a bearing element that is pushed through the opening from the interior side, and a backing part that is attached to the exterior side of the side wall. This segmentation allows each part to be installed independently through simple pushing actions rather than complex screwing operations, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable flap fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The backing part serves as an intermediary element that connects the bearing element to the side wall structure. It provides a mounting surface for the bearing element and distributes the loads to the side wall without requiring direct screw fixation into the side wall, thus simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Strength
If reinforcement parts are provided on the backs of side walls to accommodate screws, then the screws can withstand flap movement loads, but the attachment of reinforcement parts becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented between the backing part and the side wall structure. The backing part is designed to be attached to the exterior side of the side wall, providing a mounting surface that distributes loads without requiring complex reinforcement parts to be attached to the interior side. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the strength required to withstand flap movement loads.
3Ease of operation
If flaps are bent to fit over bearing journals, then the flaps can be attached, but the attachment process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bending the flap to fit over the bearing element (traditional approach), the bearing element is pushed through an opening in the side wall so that it protrudes into the interior space. The flap is then attached to this protruding bearing element, eliminating the need to bend the flap and simplifying the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing element is designed to be self-installing by being pushed through the opening from the interior side, where it automatically positions itself and protrudes to receive the flap. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment and fitting operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If bearing components are screwed together, then the flaps are pivotably fixed, but care must be taken to ensure bearing components are at the same height
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing element and backing part are designed with complementary geometries that guide their relative positioning during assembly. The bearing element is pushed through the opening and automatically positions itself relative to the backing part, ensuring proper alignment without requiring the assembler to manually adjust heights or positions. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for precise height matching while simplifying the assembly process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerating machine housing (1), comprising an inner container (3) defining a cooled space, said inner container being provided on the outside with an insulating material layer (2), and having a bearing formed on the side walls (32) thereof for a lid (6) that is pivotally supported at the inner container (3) by means of bearing elements (52), wherein the bearing element (52) is provided at a backing piece (5) located on the insulating material side, said backing piece being located on at least one of the side walls (32) and penetrating the side wall (32) in an opening (42).