Refrigerator Hinge Support Assembly for Gap-Free Door Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator hinges face challenges in providing stable and secure rotation mechanisms for larger and multi-functional refrigerators, often resulting in gaps and defects during assembly and surface treatment, which can lead to functional issues and aesthetic problems.
Innovation Solution
A hinge system comprising a metal hinge support with a coupling hole and a bracket support that surrounds the hole, along with a hinge bracket and pin, where the bracket support is molded to protrude and provide additional stability, and the hinge pin is securely fixed using press processing and surface treatment to minimize gaps and ensure smooth rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional hinge assembly methods are used, then assembly is simpler, but assembly defects and gaps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge bracket is nested within the bracket support structure, with the insertion part fitting into the coupling hole and the bracket support surrounding the coupling hole. This nested arrangement ensures precise positioning and reduces assembly gaps while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling hole acts as an intermediary element between the hinge support and hinge bracket, facilitating precise alignment and connection. The bracket support surrounding the coupling hole provides additional mediation for stable positioning during assembly.
2Reliability
If the hinge structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but rotation stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is segmented into distinct components: hinge support, hinge bracket, and hinge pin. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured separately using standard processes while ensuring stable rotation through their coordinated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket support provides localized reinforcement around the coupling hole, enhancing rotation stability only where needed. This local quality improvement maintains overall manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable door rotation.
3Strength
If press processing is used for assembly, then connection strength increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling hole and insertion part are pre-formed with complementary geometries during separate manufacturing processes. This preliminary action ensures that when press processing is applied, the components align automatically, achieving strong connections without complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge for a refrigerator includes a hinge support configured to be mounted on a front surface of a cabinet of the refrigerator, where the hinge support has a plate shape and defining a coupling hole, a hinge bracket including an insertion part configured to be inserted into the coupling hole, where the hinge bracket is coupled to the hinge support along a longitudinal direction of the hinge support, and a hinge pin that is configured to mount to the hinge bracket and that is configured to allow a door of the refrigerator to rotate about the hinge pin. The hinge support includes a bracket support that at least partially surrounds the coupling hole and protrudes from a front surface of the hinge support, the bracket support being configured to provide support to the hinge support.