Free embedded refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerators have limited opening-closing freedom due to fixed hinge parts, making it difficult to adapt to various application scenarios, especially in embedded applications where style integration and smart home setups require more flexibility in door motion tracks.
Innovation Solution
A free embedded refrigerator design featuring a hinge assembly with a switching mechanism that allows the door to rotate in situ relative to the cabinet, using a combination of first and second hinge parts and fitting parts to unlock and lock sequences, enabling multiple rotation axes and increased opening angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed hinge part is used to connect the cabinet and door, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the opening-closing freedom degree of the door is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple independent parts: a first hinge part fixed to the cabinet, a second hinge part fixed to the door, and a switching assembly with first and second fitting parts. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions (rotation, limitation, switching) independently, enabling complex door motion trajectories while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic system where the switching assembly can change the connection state between the first and second hinge parts. The switching assembly includes fitting parts that can move between limiting and non-limiting positions, allowing the door to switch between different rotation modes (first rotation about first hinge, second rotation about second hinge) based on opening angle requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed hinge part is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the door cannot adapt to different application scenarios like embedded refrigeration
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that can accommodate multiple application scenarios (traditional placement, embedded refrigeration, smart home integration) through a single structure. The switching assembly enables the door to execute different motion trajectories (first rotation trajectory, second rotation trajectory) by activating different hinge parts, making the same hinge assembly suitable for various installation environments without requiring custom designs
3Ease of operation
If the switching assembly allows multiple rotation trajectories, then the opening-closing freedom is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching assembly operates automatically based on the door's opening angle without requiring external control or complex actuation mechanisms. The first and second fitting parts self-switch between limiting and non-limiting states as the door opens, with the first fitting part limiting the first hinge part during initial opening, then the second fitting part taking over to limit the second hinge part during subsequent rotation. This self-service mechanism provides flexible operation while avoiding additional control system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A free embedded refrigerator which includes a cabinet, a door and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part, a second hinge part and a switching assembly connected with the first hinge part and the second hinge part. When the door is in an opening process, the first hinge part moves relative to the switching assembly to drive the door to rotate in situ relative to the cabinet, and then, the switching assembly drives the second hinge part to move relative to the switching assembly to drive the door to continuously rotate in situ. The refrigerator can adjust opening-closing freedom degree of the door, and various motion tracks may be generated to adapt to different application scenarios.