Sliding Lid Structure for Smooth-Sealing Cooling Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices with sliding covers face issues of wear and tear, leading to compromised ease of movement and sealing due to dirt accumulation in narrow guide elements, affecting long-term performance and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device design featuring a horizontal bearing surface on the front border with a convex curvature, a separate sealing element, and spacer elements for smooth displacement and reliable sealing, along with a heat-reflecting inner coating on the pane to enhance energy efficiency and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If narrow guide elements are used to guide the sliding cover, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to dirt accumulation and wear affecting movement smoothness
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is segmented into a fixed guide element in the housing and a movable guide element on the sliding cover, allowing independent movement and reducing wear on the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements are designed with horizontal bearing surfaces that create a wider contact area, transitioning from narrow point contact to broad surface contact, reducing dirt accumulation effects
2Device complexity
If narrow guide elements are used for the sliding cover, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing function deteriorates due to dirt accumulation in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is separated from the guide function by using distinct guide elements with horizontal bearing surfaces, preventing dirt accumulation in sealing areas
Solution Approach 2:
A horizontal bearing surface acts as an intermediary between the guide element and sliding cover, creating a dirt-resistant interface that protects the sealing function
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the sliding cover is provided with a tight surround and heat-reflecting coating, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding cover is segmented into functional components (transparent pane, tight surround, heat-reflecting coating) that can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding cover uses composite construction combining transparent pane material, surround material, and heat-reflecting coating, allowing each component to be optimized independently
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 design ensures smooth and reliable sliding motion with improved sealing properties and energy efficiency, reducing wear and tear while maintaining easy maintenance and visibility of the cooling space.
Implementation Method 1
provided with a heat-reflecting inner coating on its inside
Implementation Method 2
at least one free end of the closure element and the guide element being in operative connection with one another via a magnetic force of attraction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cooling appliance or refrigeration unit having at least one refrigeration compartment that is contained in a housing and is accessible from above via at least one laterally movable sliding lid containing a transparent window, which has a heat-reflecting inner coating and at least in its front longitudinal region, via an outwardly convex curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, comes to an end in a longitudinal edge that has a front frame. An effortless sliding action with a simultaneously reliable seal is achieved by the front frame having a bearing surface that is oriented horizontally relative to a vertical direction of gravity.