refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face limitations in enlarging the size of door storage chambers and have complex coupling structures for auxiliary doors, affecting accessibility and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A side-by-side refrigerator design with a first door and a second door, where the second door's height is adjustable and accessible from the outside, allowing increased storage capacity without compromising the refrigerator's appearance, using a shared rotational shaft system for both doors to simplify the structure and enhance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional auxiliary door is added to the first door to create a second storage chamber, then accessibility from outside is improved, but the coupling structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first door and second door into a single integrated assembly where the second door is coupled to the first door in a simplified manner. The coupling structure is designed to be less complex than conventional auxiliary doors, merging the functionality of both doors while reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first door serves multiple functions: it acts as the main door for the first storage chamber and simultaneously serves as the coupling structure and frame for the second door. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex auxiliary door mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the second door is made accessible from outside via an auxiliary door, then user convenience is improved, but the refrigerator appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The second door is nested within the first door structure. The first door acts as an outer frame that contains and supports the second door, creating a nested configuration where the smaller second door is integrated into the larger first door assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The first door is designed with specific local features to accommodate the second door, including a coupling structure and opening that are tailored to the second door's dimensions and requirements. This localized design allows the second door to be integrated without compromising the overall appearance of the refrigerator.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second door height is made adjustable to increase storage capacity, then storage flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second door is designed with an adjustable height mechanism that allows it to be moved vertically along the first door. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the second door height to be changed according to storage needs while maintaining a relatively simple coupling structure that facilitates this movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure between the first door and second door is segmented to allow for height adjustment. The second door can be positioned at different heights along the first door through a simplified coupling mechanism that divides the adjustment function into discrete positional options.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to define an exterior boundary of the refrigerator. The refrigerator also includes a first storage chamber defined by interior walls of the cabinet and configured to store food stuffs. The refrigerator further includes a first door configured to open and close the first storage chamber by rotating about a rotational axis. In addition, the refrigerator includes a second storage chamber that is smaller than the first storage chamber defined at a side of the first door, and that is configured to enable access to food stuffs while the first door remains closed and a second door, located in a predetermined portion of the first door, configured to open and close the second storage chamber by rotating the rotational axis, wherein a rotation direction of the second door is identical to the rotation direction of the first door.