Hinge support assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated appliances face challenges in maximizing support for hinges, which are crucial for distributing the weight and forces exerted by doors to maintain structural integrity and minimize thermal conductivity within the insulating cavity.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure within the appliance, comprising an upper and lower frame portion with hinge mounts, is integrated into the insulating cavity to support hinges, transferring downward and rotational forces to the cabinet's base while maintaining a hermetic seal and minimizing thermal energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a frame structure is integrated into the insulating cavity to support hinges, then the structural integrity and hinge support are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is integrated directly into the insulating cavity, merging the support function with the existing cavity structure. This eliminates the need for separate hinge mounting components while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing thermal conductivity paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides hinge mounting surfaces, maintains the insulating cavity integrity, and acts as a thermal barrier. By making the frame multi-functional, the design avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If the lower frame portion has a closed outer periphery, then the hermetic seal is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The lower frame portion includes a closed outer periphery that forms a hermetic seal, while the upper portion can be attached to complete the structure. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process.
3Loss of energy
If the frame is disposed within the insulating cavity, then the thermal conductivity is reduced, but the available space for hinge mounts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates localized hinge mounting surfaces at specific positions within the insulating cavity. These localized mounting areas provide sufficient surface area for hinge attachment while maintaining the overall compact design that minimizes thermal conductivity. The frame's geometry is optimized to provide mounting functionality only where needed, rather than requiring extensive surface area throughout.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance is provided herein. The appliance includes a cabinet having a wrapper, a liner, and a trim breaker. The wrapper, the liner, and the trim breaker define an insulating cavity therebetween. An insulating material is disposed within the insulating cavity. A frame includes an upper frame portion, a vertical frame portion, and a lower frame portion. The frame is at least partially disposed within the insulating cavity. An upper hinge mount is disposed on the upper frame portion. A lower hinge mount is disposed on the lower frame portion. The lower frame portion has a closed outer periphery. A door is rotationally mounted to the cabinet via an upper hinge mounted to the upper hinge mount and a lower hinge mounted to the lower hinge mount.