Rotary Lock Catch Assembly for Modular Refrigerator Insulation Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the field of household appliances, particularly refrigerators, is to design a lock catch that securely connects various heat preservation plates, which is essential for modularization and customization, but existing solutions fail to provide a reliable and simple connection mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A lock catch comprising a first and second lock catch portion, with a rotary draw-bar assembly and a fixed shaft, allowing for secure connection by rotating a specified angle, featuring a rotating shaft, non-circular holes, and an elastic buffer member to adjust and reduce assembly gaps, ensuring a simple and reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connection mechanism is designed for modular heat preservation plates, then adaptability and ease of assembly are improved, but connection reliability and structural complexity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The lock catch is divided into two distinct portions: a first lock catch portion with a first connection portion, and a second lock catch portion with a second connection portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently designed and assembled onto different heat preservation plates, enhancing modularization while maintaining reliable connection through dedicated coupling features
Solution Approach 2:
The second connection portion is inserted into the first connection portion, forming a nested structure. The rotary draw-bar assembly is then inserted into the second connection portion, creating a multi-level nested arrangement that secures multiple components together in a compact and reliable manner
2Ease of operation
If a rotary draw-bar assembly is used for connection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The draw-bar is designed to rotate between a first position (for insertion) and a second position (for locking). This dynamic movement allows the connection mechanism to transition from an open state for easy assembly to a locked state for secure connection, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving reliable fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary draw-bar assembly automatically locks into place through its rotation mechanism, with the draw-bar head engaging with the first connection portion and the draw-bar body engaging with the second connection portion. This self-locking feature reduces the need for additional fastening operations, maintaining ease of operation
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment features are added to reduce assembly gaps, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The draw-bar features an asymmetric design with a draw-bar head at one end and a draw-bar body at the other end, each with different engagement features. The first connection portion has a corresponding asymmetric structure that receives the draw-bar head, while the second connection portion receives the draw-bar body. This asymmetric design ensures precise alignment and reduces assembly gaps without requiring complex additional features
Data Source
AI summary
A lock catch comprises: a first lock catch portion, comprising: a first housing and a first connection portion arranged in the first housing; and a second lock catch portion, comprising: a second housing, a surface of the second housing includes a first and second insert hole; a rotary draw-bar assembly arranged in the second housing and comprising a draw-bar and rotation portion arranged on the draw-bar, the rotation portion and the first insert hole arranged oppositely, one end of the draw-bar includes a second connection portion matching the first connection portion, another end of the draw-bar includes a fixed connection portion, and the second connection portion connected to the first connection portion by the rotation portion driving the draw-bar to rotate, and a fixed shaft, arranged in the second housing and opposite the second insert hole, the fixed shaft locked with the fixed connection portion by rotating a specified angle.