Rotatable Refrigerator Door Guard for CO2 Container Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator designs do not efficiently utilize the rear space of the door, particularly when a carbonated water making device is installed, as the space required for carbon dioxide containers is not effectively utilized, and there is a need for a mechanism to rotate the guard assembly to facilitate the replacement of carbon dioxide containers.
Innovation Solution
A guard assembly is designed with a rotatable body portion and a rotation unit that includes a guide member and hinge members, allowing the assembly to be rotated and adjusted relative to the door, thereby optimizing the use of the rear space and enabling easy access for replacing carbon dioxide containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the guard assembly is fixed at the rear side of the door, then the structure is simple and stable, but the space utilization is poor and access to carbon dioxide containers is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guard assembly is transformed from a fixed structure to a rotatable structure through the rotation unit comprising hinge members and guide members. This allows the assembly to change its position dynamically, enabling easy access to carbon dioxide containers while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard assembly is enabled to rotate along the rear side of the door, adding a rotational dimension to its operation. This dimensional change allows the assembly to access different positions and containers without requiring complex linear mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If the guard assembly is designed to rotate, then the space utilization is improved and access is easier, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation unit incorporates hinge members and guide members that enable the guard assembly to rotate dynamically. This dynamic capability maximizes the utilization of the rear space while keeping the structural complexity manageable through the use of standard mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation unit is segmented into distinct components including hinge members, guide members, and coupling portions. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the desired rotational functionality and space utilization.
3Ease of manufacture
If the carbon dioxide container is placed at the rear side of the door, then the space arrangement is compact, but the replacement and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable guard assembly provides dynamic access to carbon dioxide containers located at the rear side of the door. By rotating the assembly, users can easily reach and replace containers without disassembling the door structure, maintaining compact space arrangement while significantly improving ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation unit is designed to be manually operable, allowing users to rotate the guard assembly and replace carbon dioxide containers themselves without requiring professional service or complex tools. This self-service capability simplifies maintenance while keeping the space arrangement compact.
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 rotatable guard assembly efficiently utilizes the rear space of the refrigerator door, enhancing user convenience by allowing easy access and maintenance of carbon dioxide containers, and improving the overall internal space management.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge member having one side coupled to the body portion and another side rotatably coupled to the coupling hole
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a guard assembly that is rotatably installed at a rear side of a door of a refrigerator and the refrigerator including the same. The guard assembly in accordance with an embodiment, is installed at a rear side of a door of a refrigerator. The guard assembly includes a body portion which is placed at the rear side of the door and to which a supporting tray is coupled, and a rotation unit that causes the body portion to be rotatably coupled to the door. The rotation unit includes a guide member having a coupling hole and coupled to one side of the rear side of the door, and a hinge member having one side coupled to the body portion and another side rotatably coupled to the coupling hole.