Refrigerator Hinge Closure Mechanism With Variable Closing Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional refrigerator hinge and closure devices are aesthetically unpleasing due to stacked components, difficult to install in limited spaces, lack adjustable features, and provide inconsistent closing forces, requiring additional components to maintain door position.
Innovation Solution
A hinge and closure mechanism with a low-profile design, featuring a guide and biasing mechanism that provides varying force based on door position, and adjustable components allowing door orientation adjustment without opening the doors, ensuring smooth operation and optimal installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plate members are stacked vertically to provide hinge and closure functions, then the hinge and closure device can provide both pivoting action and biasing mechanism support, but the device becomes aesthetically unpleasing and creates difficulties in fitting the refrigerator into limited installation areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the biasing mechanism from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal integration within the hinge assembly. The closure mechanism is embedded within the hinge structure itself, transforming the spatial arrangement from vertical to horizontal, thereby reducing the vertical profile height while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the hinge mechanism and closure mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The biasing mechanism, guide, and closer arm are merged with the hinge plates to form one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate stacked components and reducing overall device volume.
2Ease of operation
If adjustment features are provided in traditional locations, then door position can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome requiring doors to be opened or removed from the refrigerator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustment features directly into the hinge assembly that is pre-installed on the refrigerator body. The adjustable hinge plates and positioning features are built into the structure before door installation, allowing for preliminary adjustments to be made without removing or opening the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the hinge assembly as an intermediary mechanism that provides adjustment capability. The adjustable hinge plates and positioning features act as intermediaries between the door and body, enabling door position adjustment through the hinge structure itself rather than requiring direct access to door mounting points.
3Device complexity
If a constant force biasing mechanism is used, then the mechanism is simple, but additional components such as detents are required to maintain the door in an open position and the resistance feels uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-based biasing mechanism that provides a variable force rather than a constant force. The spring force naturally varies with compression, providing lighter resistance when the door is partially open and increasing force as the door approaches the closed position, creating smooth and natural door handling without requiring additional detent components.
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 minimizes component stacking, facilitates easy door adjustment, and allows the door to remain open at desired positions with a smooth transition to closing, enhancing user convenience and installation ease while maintaining reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism such as a spring that provides a bias force tending to close the door
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator comprises a body defining a refrigerated enclosure, a door movable between a closed position and an open position, a hinge comprising a first member coupled to the body and a second member coupled to the door and pivotably coupled to the first member, and a closure mechanism configured to provide a varying force to the door depending on the position of the door relative to the body. The closure mechanism includes a guide slidably mounted in a slot on the first member, a biasing mechanism coupled to the first member, and a closer arm coupled to the door and to the biasing mechanism through the guide.