Refrigerator Sub-Door Latch for Durable Door Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with double door structures lack a robust and durable decoupling mechanism between the main door and sub-door, making them difficult to fabricate, assemble, and prone to shock damage.
Innovation Solution
A decoupling device comprising a hook member, locking protrusion, and elastic members that allow selective decoupling of the sub-door from the main door, featuring a button-activated mechanism for user input, a repulsive device for spacing the doors, and elastic members for automatic return to the original position, enhancing durability and shock resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a decoupling mechanism is added to allow selective separation between main door and sub-door, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a button for user input, a link member for force transmission, a hook member for engagement, and a locking protrusion for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining operational complexity only where needed for selective decoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically returns the hook member to its original position after decoupling, eliminating the need for manual resetting. The mechanism serves itself by using the elastic member's inherent properties to restore the locked state, reducing the complexity of control systems while improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a robust decoupling mechanism with multiple components is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The link member and hook member are combined into a single integrated component that performs both force transmission and engagement functions. The locking protrusion is integrated with the main door structure rather than being a separate assembly. This merging reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliability through the combined functionality.
3Reliability
If a repulsive device is added to prevent re-coupling, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repulsive device acts as an intermediary between the hook member and locking protrusion. When the hook member is returned to its original position by the elastic member, the repulsive device prevents it from re-engaging with the locking protrusion unless intentionally activated again. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable prevention of accidental re-coupling without requiring complex control systems or additional actuators.
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 decoupling mechanism, making it easier to fabricate and assemble, while providing high shock resistance and durability, preventing re-coupling of the sub-door with the main door, thus reducing the risk of damage and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an extension extending from the pivot shaft of the hook member in a direction opposite from the link member, a first elastic member provided between the interior of the case and the extension
Implementation Method 2
a repulsive device provided to space the sub-door from the main door when the hook member and the locking protrusion are decoupled from each other
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.