Refrigerator Semi-Auto Closing Hinge with Nested Elastic Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator auto closing apparatuses are aesthetically unappealing due to exposed upper hinges and have complex configurations with separate springs, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A semi-auto closing apparatus with an upper hinge module that includes a hinge cover, a cam member, and an auto close lever with a roller that accumulates elastic force via a cam surface with an inflection point, allowing the door to close using stored energy without a separate spring, enhancing sealing and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the auto close lever is mounted on the upper hinge, then the door can be automatically closed, but the auto close lever protrudes to the outside and spoils the external appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The auto close lever is nested within the upper hinge module structure, specifically received in a hinge receiving part of the door cap. This nesting arrangement allows the auto close lever to be concealed within the hinge assembly rather than protruding outward, thereby maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator exterior while preserving the automatic door closing function.
2Force
If a separate spring is provided to transmit elastic force to the door, then the door can be closed with sufficient force, but the configuration becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auto close lever is designed with integrated elasticity, combining the lever and spring functions into a single component. The auto close lever itself possesses elastic properties, eliminating the need for a separate spring component. This merging reduces the number of parts, simplifies the configuration, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient closing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto close lever serves dual functions: it acts as both the operating lever and the elastic force storage element. By incorporating elasticity directly into the lever structure, the component serves itself by generating the necessary elastic force without requiring an external spring, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Force
If the auto close lever is separately provided, then elastic force can be transmitted to the door, but the structure becomes complex and mounting becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The auto close lever is designed with integrated elasticity, combining the lever and spring functions into a single component. The auto close lever itself possesses elastic properties, eliminating the need for a separate spring component. This merging reduces the number of parts, simplifies the configuration, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient closing force.
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
Improves the door's sealing ability while reducing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for a separate spring, maintaining a clean exterior appearance and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an auto close lever (110), having elasticity, installed on the door cap so as to be received in the hinge receiving part
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator which improves the structure of an auto closing apparatus, increases the sealing ability of a door, and omits mounting of a separate spring. The refrigerator includes at least one door opening and closing at least one storage chamber provided in a main body, at least one upper hinge module including a body part and an extension part rotatably coupled to the at least one door, at least one lower hinge module, a door cap installed on an upper portion of the at least one door and including a hinge receiving part, an auto close lever coupled to the door cap and has elasticity to transmit elastic force to the door, and a cam member including a cam surface contacting the auto close lever so that the auto close lever accumulates elastic force and then transmits the elastic force to the door when the door is closed.