Refrigerator Pillar Folding Mechanism to Reduce Drawer Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators with a pillar structure for enhancing tight closure of storage chambers can be uncomfortable to use and reduce storage capacity due to the projection needed for pillar rotation, which interferes with drawer passage and basket corners, leading to decreased storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring two side-by-side doors with a rotatable pillar that folds or unfolds based on door opening and closing sensors, allowing the pillar to be positioned away from the inner case walls, maintaining storage chamber capacity and preventing drawer interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pillar structure is provided to enhance tight closure of the storage chamber, then the closure tightness is improved, but the structure projects downwardly causing user discomfort and reducing storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The pillar is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between a closed state (projecting downward to ensure tight closure) and an open state (retracted to eliminate interference). The rotation mechanism enables the pillar to adapt its position based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining closure tightness and ensuring user comfort.
2Reliability
If the pillar is unfolded to contact with the first door for tight closure, then the closure tightness is improved, but the pillar interferes with drawer passage reducing storage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pillar's position is made dynamic through rotation capability. When the second door is closed, the pillar rotates to an unfolded position to contact the first door and ensure tight closure. When drawers need to be accessed, the pillar rotates to a retracted position that clears the drawer passage, thereby maintaining both closure tightness and storage efficiency without permanent compromise.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the basket corners are curved to avoid contact with the pillar, then the pillar interference is prevented, but the storage capacity of the basket decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanently curving the basket corners to avoid pillar contact, the solution makes the pillar's position dynamic. The pillar can rotate to a retracted position that provides clear passage for drawers and baskets with straight corners, maximizing storage capacity. The pillar only projects downward when the second door is closed and tight closure is required, eliminating the need for permanent geometric modifications to the basket.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a refrigerator comprising a cabinet having a storage chamber; an inner case forming the exterior of the storage chamber; a first door pivotally provided to the cabinet and opening and closing one side of the storage chamber; a second door having a pillar rotated so as to come into contact with the first door, pivotally provided to the cabinet, and opening and closing the other side of the storage chamber; and a driving member provided at a lower end of the second door so as to move together with the second door, and operating the pillar so as to fold or unfold the pillar, wherein the pillar has a first catching protrusion and a second catching protrusion, which are selectively caught by the driving member.