Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators lack a reliable and aesthetically pleasing method to connect multiple units side by side, compromising safety and usability in shared installation spaces.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a housing with an inner and outer case, a heat insulator, and reinforcing members with fastening parts that allow adjacent refrigerators to be physically connected using a connection member, ensuring alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple refrigerators are installed adjacent to each other, then the refrigerator capacity and storage space are increased, but the alignment and connection stability between units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into separate components: a reinforcing member installed between the inner and outer cases, and a fastening part extending through the outer case. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function while maintaining overall connection stability between adjacent refrigerators
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member is nested between the inner case and outer case, with the fastening part extending through the outer case to connect with adjacent units. This nested configuration provides structural support without increasing the external dimensions of the refrigerator, maintaining alignment stability while enabling multi-unit installation
2Reliability
If a connection structure is added to connect adjacent refrigerators, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member and fastening part are combined into a single integrated component that performs both structural reinforcement and connection functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability between adjacent refrigerators
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member serves multiple functions: it reinforces the housing structure, provides a mounting point for the fastening part, and enables connection between adjacent units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining reliability without increasing complexity
3Ease of operation
If the fastening part is exposed outside the outer case, then the ease of operation for connection is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening part is designed with localized exposure only at the necessary connection points on the outer case surface, while the majority of the reinforcing member remains hidden between the inner and outer cases. This local quality approach provides ease of operation for connection while minimizing impact on the overall aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables secure and aesthetically aligned connection of multiple refrigerators, enhancing safety and usability in shared installation spaces while maintaining temperature consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a heat insulator configured to be at least partially provided between the inner case and the outer case
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes an inner case configured to accommodate a refrigerated item therein, an outer case configured to surround the inner case, a heat insulator configured to be at least partially disposed between the inner case and the outer case, and a reinforcing member disposed between the inner case and the outer case to support the outer case and having a fastening part to couple the refrigerator with another refrigerator installed adjacent to the refrigerator by using a connection member, and the fastening part coupled to the connection member to enable alignment between the refrigerator and the another refrigerator.