Refrigerator Sensor Cover Sliding Fixation for Fast Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator sensor covers are difficult to couple and separate from the cooling chamber, often requiring additional tools and risking damage to components due to the need for excessive force.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a sensor cover that is slidingly coupled to the cooling chamber with ribs and rib supporting portions, along with a sliding preventing portion, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without damaging components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix the sensor cover to the cooling chamber, then the sensor cover is securely fixed, but additional tools are required and it takes a lot of time to couple or separate the sensor cover
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple ribs (typically three or more) distributed around the sensor cover perimeter, allowing the cover to be secured through distributed sliding engagement rather than requiring multiple screw fastenings. This segmentation enables tool-free attachment while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threads that require rotational movement and tool intervention, the patent inverts the approach by using sliding ribs that engage with corresponding grooves in the cooling chamber. This inversion transforms the fixing mechanism from a complex rotational screw system to a simple linear sliding system that can be operated by hand.
2Ease of operation
If a hook is provided at the sensor cover to engage with the cooling chamber, then coupling is simplified, but it is difficult to separate the hook from the hook engaging portion and the hook may be damaged when excessive force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The single hook mechanism is segmented into multiple ribs distributed around the sensor cover. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress across multiple engagement points, preventing any single point from bearing excessive force that could cause damage. The segmented structure also allows for easier separation by distributing the release force.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure is designed to be flexible enough to deform slightly during engagement and separation, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and prevent binding. The ribs can elastically deform to facilitate insertion and then lock into place, while still allowing controlled removal when force is applied in the separation direction.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor cover is easily separable from the cooling chamber, then maintenance is simplified, but the sensor cover may be suddenly separated from the cooling chamber under external forces like vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure incorporates local quality variations through the sliding preventing portions, which are strategically positioned at specific locations on the ribs. These local features create asymmetric engagement where the ribs can slide in one direction (for easy removal) but are mechanically blocked from sliding in the opposite direction, thus preventing accidental detachment while maintaining ease of intentional removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding preventing portions are designed to preemptively counteract external forces like vibration that might cause accidental separation. By providing mechanical blocks (protrusions and recesses) that engage before excessive force can accumulate, the design prevents the sensor cover from detaching under normal operational vibrations while still allowing deliberate removal when the user applies sufficient force in the correct direction.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a refrigerator having a sensor cover slidingly-coupled to inside of a cooling chamber and accommodating a sensor therein. Since the sensor cover is easily coupled to or separated from the cooling chamber, damage of components is prevented.