Refrigerator including multiple storage compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerators lack an efficient design for a large storage compartment in a single door that enhances user convenience and aesthetic appeal, while preventing unintended opening of the storage compartment when the second door is closed.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator design featuring a first door with a limiting member that prevents the locking unit from being undesirably opened by rotation when the second door is closed, incorporating a storing device with a frame and baskets that provide additional storage within the first storage compartment, and a second door that rotates independently to access a second storage compartment, maintaining the unity and appearance of the doors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a second door is added to the first door to create additional storage compartment, then storage efficiency and user convenience are improved, but the risk of unintended opening due to door rotation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoiddoor locking stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking unit is designed to preemptively counteract the unintended opening force generated by first door rotation. The locking protrusion and locking groove engage before rotation occurs, and the limiting member restricts the rotation range to prevent the locking unit from disengaging, thus preventing the harmful effect before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first door and second door. It transfers and controls the interaction between the two doors, allowing the second door to remain confined when the first door rotates, while still permitting intentional opening when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking unit is provided between the first door and second door, then the second door can be securely confined, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor locking stabilityVSAvoiddoor mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door system is segmented into functionally independent components: the first door for main access, the second door for additional storage, the locking unit for securing the second door, and the limiting member for controlling rotation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple structure, avoiding the need for a complex integrated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex active locking mechanism that requires actuation, the design uses a passive locking approach where the locking protrusion and groove automatically engage through the natural relative movement between doors. The limiting member passively restricts rotation rather than actively controlling it, simplifying the overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Quantity of substance

If a storing device is coupled to the first door to define a second storage compartment, then storage capacity is improved, but the weight of the moving door increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddoor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is nested within the first door structure, with baskets positioned inside the storage compartment defined by the frame. This nesting arrangement maximizes storage capacity within the available space without requiring additional external attachments that would increase door weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device is designed to move with the first door, maintaining its position relative to the door during opening and closing operations. This dynamic coupling ensures that the storage capacity is fully utilized while the weight increase is minimized through efficient material usage and structural integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2762817B1Refrigerator including multiple storage compartments

Publication Date: 2024.03.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

The present invention provides a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet (10) that defines a first storage compartment (104); a first door (310) that is opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the first storage compartment (104); a storing device (40) coupled to the first door (310) to define a second storage compartment (405), wherein, when the first door (310) is closed, the second storage compartment (405) is disposed in the first storage compartment (104); a second door (340) connected to the first door (310) and configured to be opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the second storage compartment (405), wherein the interior of the second storage compartment (405) is accessible when the first door (310) is closed and the second door (340) is opened; a locking unit (314, 60) provided to the first door (310) and a rear surface of the second door (340) to selectively confine the second door (340) to the first door (310) by a pressing operation; and a limiting member (350) provided to one of a front surface of the first door (310) and the rear surface of the second door (340) to prevent a rotation of the second door from inertia.