Refrigerator Lower Hinge Pipe Routing Without a Kick Plate

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerators have a kick plate that covers the water supply pipe, limiting the exterior appearance and interior capacity, as the door is not closely positioned to the ground surface, which can result in a less aesthetically pleasing design and reduced storage space.

Innovation Solution

The design eliminates the kick plate by integrating a lower hinge module with a guide unit and fixing member that allows the water supply pipe to pass through the body and door, enabling the door to be positioned closer to the ground surface, enhancing both the exterior appearance and interior capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a kick plate is used to cover the water supply pipe, then the water supply pipe is protected from exposure, but the exterior appearance is compromised and the door cannot be positioned closely to the ground surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexterior appearanceVSAvoidwater supply pipe exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the water supply pipe routing with the door hinge structure. The pipe passes through the hinge bracket and door assembly, integrating the pipe protection function into the existing structural components rather than adding a separate kick plate. This merging eliminates the visual obstruction while maintaining pipe protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by routing the water supply pipe through the hinge mechanism in a different dimensional path. Instead of having the pipe run horizontally along the bottom requiring vertical coverage by a kick plate, the pipe is directed through the hinge bracket and door, utilizing the vertical and depth dimensions of the hinge structure for protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the door is positioned away from the ground surface, then the water supply pipe can be easily routed, but the interior storage capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior storage capacityVSAvoidwater supply pipe routing

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the water supply pipe routing path with the door hinge structure. The pipe passes through the hinge bracket and door assembly, integrating the pipe protection function into the existing structural components rather than adding a separate kick plate. This merging eliminates the visual obstruction while maintaining pipe protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by routing the water supply pipe through the hinge mechanism in a different dimensional path. Instead of having the pipe run horizontally along the bottom requiring vertical coverage by a kick plate, the pipe is directed through the hinge bracket and door, utilizing the vertical and depth dimensions of the hinge structure for protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Shape

If the kick plate is eliminated, then the exterior appearance is enhanced and door positioning is improved, but the water supply pipe becomes exposed and vulnerable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexterior appearanceVSAvoidwater supply pipe protection

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the water supply pipe routing with the door hinge structure. The pipe passes through the hinge bracket and door assembly, integrating the pipe protection function into the existing structural components rather than adding a separate kick plate. This merging eliminates the visual obstruction while maintaining pipe protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies multi-functionality to the hinge bracket, which now serves both its original purpose of supporting the door and an additional function of protecting and routing the water supply pipe. The hinge structure becomes a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for separate protective elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9328954B2Refrigerator with a covering member on an outer case for guiding a water supply pipe

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A refrigerator without a kick plate and having an outer case with a water supply pipe at a bottom surface of the outer case. A lower hinge module of a refrigerator includes a body hinge bracket having one portion fixed to the lower surface of the outer case and the remaining portion disposed at the lower portion of the door for supporting the door, a hinge shaft which is protruded from the body hinge bracket and coupled at the lower surface of the door for the door to be capable of rotating and at which a central hole formed for the water supply pipe to pass through, a support member coupled to the lower portion of the body hinge bracket and supported by the bottom surface outside, and a guide unit which is provided along the outer side of the support member.