A home appliance comprising a transfer element between a body and a door thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home appliances, such as refrigerators, face issues with transfer elements like cables or pipes being damaged during door closure and being accessible to incompetent users, which affects their operation and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A guiding device is used to manage the transfer element between the appliance body and door without requiring a hinge, featuring bridge elements connected in series, pin housings, and grooves to ensure smooth movement and protection, allowing the transfer element to be routed in a hidden, fatigue-reducing arc path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transfer element like a cable or pipe remains between the body and the door during opening and closing, then the transfer element can be easily accessed, but the closing of the door can be prevented and the transfer element may be damaged physically
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding device is divided into multiple bridge elements connected in series, each capable of independent pivotal movement. This segmentation allows the transfer element to be guided through a curved path during door opening/closing, preventing it from obstructing door closure while maintaining accessibility when the door is open.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge elements are designed to be movable relative to each other, enabling the guiding device to dynamically adapt its configuration during door operation. This dynamic behavior allows the transfer element to follow the door's movement without preventing closure, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and reliable door closure.
2Ease of operation
If a hinge is used to connect the door to the body, then the door can pivot open and closed, but the transfer element may still be damaged during closure and remains accessible to incompetent persons
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge elements act as intermediary components between the door and the transfer element, providing a guided path that protects the transfer element from damage. The bridge elements absorb and distribute the mechanical stresses during door closure, preventing direct damage to the transfer element while maintaining door pivoting capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the transfer element is routed in a visible and accessible manner, then installation and maintenance are easier, but the transfer element can be damaged by incompetent persons and door closure may be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer element is nested within the guiding device structure formed by the bridge elements. This nesting arrangement protects the transfer element from external damage while keeping it accessible for installation and maintenance through the open design of the bridge element configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a home appliance (1), particularly a refrigerator, comprising a body (10); a door (20) connected to the body (10) with a hinge (21); a transfer element (30) provided between the body (10) and the door (20); and a guiding device (40) guiding the transfer element (30) between the body (10) and the door (20); and that the guiding device (40) comprises a body element (100) fixed to the body (10); a door element (200) fixed to the door (20); and at least one bridge element (300) pivotally connected to the body element (100) and the door element (200) as compatible with the movement of the hinge (21) and guiding the transfer element (30) between the body element (100) and the door element (200).