Refrigerator Middle Hinge Module for Quiet Door Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator hinge modules generate noise when doors are opened and closed, and they lack an efficient mechanism for adjusting the door height.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module with a cam mechanism and compression spring that converts rotational door movement into vertical linear movement for quiet operation and a height adjustment screw that allows the door to be easily adjusted by rotating the shaft and casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional hinge module is used to hinge the door to the main body, then the door can open and close the storage compartment, but noise is generated when the door is opened and closed
Solution Approach 1:
A rubber buffer is introduced as an intermediary element between the door and the hinge module. The buffer absorbs impact forces and reduces noise during door opening and closing operations, while maintaining smooth operation. The buffer acts as a mediator that dampens the harmful noise without interfering with the door's movement function.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge module is used, then the door is hinged to the main body, but the door height cannot be easily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module incorporates an adjustable height mechanism that allows the door height to be dynamically changed. A height adjustment screw can be rotated to move the shaft and casing vertically, enabling the door height to be adjusted from a fixed position to a variable position. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through a simple screw mechanism rather than a complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The height adjustment mechanism changes the vertical position parameter of the door by rotating the height adjustment screw. The screw converts rotational motion into linear vertical displacement, allowing the shaft and casing to move up and down. This parameter change approach enables easy height adjustment without requiring complex mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the door height needs to be adjusted, then the hinge module structure must allow for movement, but this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module uses a height adjustment screw that converts simple rotational motion into vertical linear displacement. By rotating the screw, the shaft and casing move vertically to adjust the door height. This parameter change mechanism provides adaptability for height adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple structure, avoiding the need for complex mechanical systems.
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 reduces noise during door operation and simplifies the adjustment of door height, enhancing productivity and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring disposed on the cam member and configured to be compressed by upward linear movement of the cam member when the door is opened and transmit compressive force accumulated by downward linear movement of the cam member to the door when the door is closed
Implementation Method 2
a cam member disposed on the shaft and configured to convert rotational movement of the door into vertical linear movement
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is equipped with an improved middle hinge module, by which a door is hinged to a main body, capable of preventing noise when the door is opened and closed and easily adjusting a height of the door. The middle hinge module includes a hinge member fixed to a main body, a casing rotatably coupled to the hinge member and configured to rotate with a door, a shaft accommodated in the casing and coupled to the hinge member, a cam member disposed on the shaft and configured to convert rotational movement of the door into vertical linear movement, a compression spring disposed on the cam member and configured to be compressed by vertical linear movement of the cam member, and a height adjustment screw, an upper portion of which is coupled to a lower portion of the shaft to adjust a height of the door.