Refrigerator and door opening and closing apparatus for refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator door opening and closing mechanisms require excessive force and generate noise due to opposing rotation directions of the stopper and latch members, making operation inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A door opening and closing apparatus with a latch device, stopper member, push member, and elastic member that rotate in the same direction when the button is pressed, reducing the force required to open the door and minimizing noise by synchronizing the rotation of the latch and stopper members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the button is pushed while the door handle pulls to open the door, then the door can be opened, but the latch member and stopper are rotated in opposite directions causing them to be further restrained, increasing the button pushing force required
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member and stopper are merged into a single integrated component that rotates in unison. This integration ensures that when the button is pushed, both the latch and stopper rotate in the same direction, eliminating the opposing rotation problem and reducing the force required to release the restraint.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the latch member and stopper rotate in opposite directions as in the prior art, the invention inverts this arrangement by making them rotate in the same direction. This inversion of the rotation direction relationship resolves the contradiction by preventing additional restraint buildup during door opening operation.
2Ease of operation
If the latch member and stopper are rotated in opposite directions to open the door, then the door can be opened, but strong rotation causes clicking noise when restraint is released
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the latch member and stopper into a single integrated component, the invention ensures they rotate together in the same direction. This synchronized rotation eliminates the strong, abrupt rotation that causes clicking noise when the restraint is released, providing a quieter door opening operation.
3Ease of operation
If the button is pushed while the door handle pulls, then the door can be opened, but the restraint between latch member and stopper is strengthened, making operation inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated latch-stopper component ensures that pushing the button while pulling the door handle causes both elements to rotate in the same direction, preventing the restraint from being strengthened. Instead, the restraint is smoothly released as both components move together, improving operational convenience.
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 apparatus improves operability and user convenience by reducing the force needed to open the door and eliminating noise during operation, enhancing the overall door opening and closing experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which is connected with the latch member and the stopper member and provides elasticity so that the latch member and the stopper member are in contact with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a main-door, the main-door, a sub-door, a restraint device that protrudes from a rear surface of the sub-door, a latch device located at the main-door and configured to selectively restrict movement of the restraint device, and an operation device located at the sub-door and configured to release the restraint device from the latch device. The latch device includes a latch configured to restrict movement of the restraint device from the latch based on rotation of the latch, a stopper configured to engage a side of the latch and limit movement of the latch, a pusher configured to push the stopper to cause the stopper to rotate, and an elastic member connected to the latch and to the stopper. The latch is configured to, based on rotation of the stopper, rotate and release restraint between the latch and the stopper.