Refrigerator Hinge-Integrated Damper Assembly to Reduce Wear and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs with damping systems protrude and compromise the aesthetic appearance, durability, and noise reduction, as they are exposed and prone to damage and wear.
Innovation Solution
A damper assembly is integrated into the hinge assembly, with a concavely formed damper contact part on the hinge case allowing surface contact with the damper, and a reinforcement member to enhance strength, hiding the damper assembly and reducing the slide distance, thus minimizing wear and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the damper assembly is exposed and protrudes from the refrigerator body, then the damping function is accessible, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and the damper is prone to damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The damper assembly is nested within the hinge assembly structure. The damper housing is positioned inside the hinge case, with the damper piston moving within the damper cylinder that is integrated into the hinge assembly. This nesting arrangement hides the damper components from external view while maintaining their functional integrity and protecting them from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper assembly is merged with the hinge assembly by integrating the damper housing into the hinge case structure. The hinge case serves as the outer housing for both the hinge mechanism and the damper components, combining two functional assemblies into a unified structure that improves appearance while maintaining durability.
2Reliability
If the damper assembly is exposed and protrudes, then the damping function is accessible, but wear and noise increase due to longer slide distance
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the damper assembly within the hinge assembly, the slide distance of the damper piston is reduced as it operates within a compact integrated structure rather than extending outward. This reduces the duration of contact between moving parts, thereby reducing wear and noise generation while maintaining the damping function.
3Shape
If the damper assembly is integrated into the hinge assembly, then appearance and durability improve, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge case serves a dual function as both the hinge housing and the damper housing. By combining these two housing functions into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the number of separate components compared to having separate hinge and damper assemblies, thereby managing structural complexity while achieving the aesthetic and durability benefits of integration.
4Reliability
If the damper contact part is concavely formed on the hinge case, then pressing force is concentrated and wear is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge case features a concavely formed damper contact part at the specific location where contact with the damper piston occurs. This localized concave feature concentrates the pressing force at the contact point, reducing wear on the damper components. The concave shape is formed only where needed for force concentration rather than throughout the entire hinge case, balancing wear resistance with manufacturing feasibility.
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 effectively hides the damper assembly, improving the refrigerator's appearance and durability while reducing noise and wear, by concentrating the pressing force and enhancing the strength of the damper and hinge assemblies.
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.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet (100) provided with a storage compartment; a door (210, 220, 230) rotatably installed at the cabinet (100) and configured to open and close the storage compartment; a hinge assembly (150, 150a, 150b, 150c) configured to rotatably connect the door (210, 220, 230) to the cabinet (100); and a damper (600) configured to move in association with a rotation of the door (210, 220, 230), and to generate a damping force by contacting the hinge assembly (150, 150a, 150b, 150c), wherein the damper (600) is provided in such a way that the damper (600) surface-contacts the hinge assembly (150, 150a, 150b, 150c).