Refrigerator Panel Coupling Unit for Three-Axis Alignment Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-in refrigerators face challenges in adjusting the alignment of door panels, limiting their integration with surrounding furniture and efficient space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a coupling unit that includes adjustors for precise left and right, up and down, and front and rear adjustments of the panel, allowing for three-directional alignment without additional components, using a combination of brackets and adjustment members for easy panel positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a panel is installed on the door of a built-in refrigerator to match with peripheral furniture, then the aesthetic integration and space utilization are improved, but the ability to adjust alignment of the panel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit incorporates three adjustors (first adjustor for left-right direction, second adjustor for up-down direction, third adjustor for front-rear direction) that enable dynamic adjustment of the panel's position. This dynamic mechanism allows the panel to be aligned precisely with both the door and surrounding furniture, resolving the contradiction between fixed installation and adjustability.
2Device complexity
If traditional fixed coupling methods are used to attach the panel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and alignment capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is segmented into three independent adjustors, each responsible for a specific direction of adjustment. This segmentation allows for precise control in each dimension (left-right, up-down, front-rear) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on brackets and adjustment members.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator may include a cabinet, a door which opens a front of the cabinet, a panel disposed in front of the door, and a coupling unit which couples the panel with the door. And the coupling unit may include a first adjustor provided to adjust a position of the panel in a left and right direction, a second adjustor provided to adjust a position of the panel in an up and down direction, and a third adjustor provided to adjust a position of the panel in a front and rear direction.