Partitioned Refrigerator Door Lock for Moisture-Proof Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smart refrigerator door locks are vulnerable to vandalism and moisture damage when externally installed, and internally installed locks face corrosion and frosting issues due to moisture, compromising security and increasing manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A door lock design with a partitioned lock housing that separates the lock core area from the lock hook connection area, using a sealing member to isolate components from moisture, and a latch bolt mechanism that moves linearly to prevent frosting and corrosion, installed inside the refrigerator to enhance security and reduce manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the door lock is installed outside the refrigerator on the light box, then the lock position is conspicuous and easily accessible for operation, but the lock is easily vandalized or accidentally damaged compromising security

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor lock accessibilityVSAvoiddoor lock security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The door lock system is segmented into two functional parts: the lock body (containing electronic components) installed inside the refrigerator, and the lock hook installed on the door. This separation allows the operational interface to remain accessible while protecting vulnerable components inside the refrigerator where they cannot be vandalized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the door lock is installed inside the refrigerator, then the lock is protected from vandalism and accidental damage, but moisture inside the refrigerator causes corrosion or short circuits of electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor lock securityVSAvoidmoisture exposure to electronic components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lock housing is divided into two sealed compartments: a first compartment containing electronic components (driving element, control circuit) and a second compartment containing the latch bolt. This segmentation isolates moisture-sensitive electronics from the humid refrigerator environment while allowing the mechanical locking components to remain functional in the moisture-prone area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A waterproof seal is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the electronic components and the refrigerator's internal environment. The seal prevents moisture from reaching the electronic components while allowing the door lock to function inside the refrigerator, thus protecting against both vandalism and moisture damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the door lock is installed inside the refrigerator, then the lock is protected from vandalism, but moisture frost causes the latch bolt to freeze and cannot be unlocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor lock securityVSAvoidlatch bolt unlocking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock housing is divided into two sealed compartments: a first compartment containing electronic components and a second compartment containing the latch bolt. This segmentation isolates moisture-sensitive electronics from the humid refrigerator environment while allowing the mechanical locking components to remain functional in the moisture-prone area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical connection between the driving element and latch bolt with a magnetic coupling system. The driving element and latch bolt are positioned on opposite sides of the partition, with magnetic attraction/repulsion transmitting force through the partition without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for through-holes that would compromise sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If the door lock is installed outside the refrigerator, then the lock components are accessible and easy to maintain, but additional manufacturing cost is incurred due to the light box requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddoor lock maintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The door lock is merged with the refrigerator body by installing it inside the refrigerator, eliminating the need for a separate light box structure. This integration reduces manufacturing costs while the sealed compartment design allows maintenance personnel to access and service the lock through the refrigerator's existing service ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250354407A1Door lock and refrigerator

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 QINGDAO HIRON COMMERCIAL COLD CHAIN CO LTD

AI summary

A door lock and a refrigerator equipped with the door lock. The door lock includes a lock hook and a lock body; the lock body includes a lock housing and a partition arranged inside the lock housing, the partition divides the internal space of the lock housing into a lock core area and a lock hook connection area, the partition is provided with a through hole connecting the lock core area and the lock hook connection area; the lock housing is provided with a lock opening connected to the lock hook connection area; a latch bolt and a driving element are installed in the lock core area, the driving element drives the latch bolt to perform linear reciprocating motion between a locked position and an unlocked position.