Refrigerator Sub-Door Decoupling Mechanism for Durable Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with sub-doors lack a robust and durable decoupling mechanism between the main door and sub-door, which complicates assembly, fabrication, and provides inadequate shock resistance.
Innovation Solution
A decoupling device comprising a link member, hook member, slide member, elastic members, and a repulsive device that allows selective decoupling of the sub-door from the main door, featuring a button-activated mechanism for easy operation and enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional decoupling mechanism is used between main door and sub-door, then the sub-door can be separated from the main door, but the structure becomes complex and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling mechanism is divided into independent functional components: a locking protrusion on the main door, a hook member on the sub-door, and a button-actuated release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for a complex integrated system while enabling reliable selective decoupling between the doors.
2Reliability
If a complex decoupling mechanism is used to ensure durability, then shock resistance improves, but assembly and fabrication become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member is designed with elastic properties to automatically return to its original position after being actuated by the button, eliminating the need for additional return springs or complex reset mechanisms. This self-service feature simplifies assembly while ensuring reliable operation and durability through the inherent elasticity of the hook member.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple decoupling mechanism is used for easy assembly, then fabrication becomes easier, but shock resistance and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling mechanism combines rigid components (locking protrusion, case) with an elastic component (hook member) to create a composite structure. The rigid parts provide structural strength and shock resistance, while the elastic hook member provides flexibility and durability. This composite approach achieves high strength and shock resistance without complicating the assembly process.
4Strength
If a robust decoupling mechanism is designed for high durability, then shock resistance improves, but the structure becomes complicated and assembly is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The button mechanism and hook member are merged into a single integrated assembly, where the button directly actuates the hook member without requiring separate linkages or intermediate components. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining robustness, as the integrated design eliminates potential failure points from multiple connection interfaces.
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 simplifies the assembly and fabrication of the decoupling mechanism, enhances shock resistance, and ensures the sub-door can be easily opened without re-coupling, thereby improving durability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member provided between an interior of the case and the hook member to return the hook member to an original position of the hook member based on locking of the hook member being released
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a main door, an auxiliary storage compartment provided to a rear surface of the main door, and a sub-door. The main door is rotatably connected to the cabinet, and the sub-door is rotatably connected to the main door. An access opening is provided in the main door to allow access to the auxiliary storage compartment. The refrigerator also includes a button exposed at a front surface of the sub-door to receive input provided by a user, a hook member having a pivot shaft mounted to its rear end, and a locking protrusion provided in a groove located on a front surface of the main door that can selectively couple to the hook member. The hook member protrudes backward from a rear surface of the sub-door and can rotate within the sub-door about the pivot shaft in response to receipt of user input at the button.