Snap-Off Center Flipper Mullion Using Cam-Follower Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator mullion assemblies relying on magnets for positioning are costly and difficult to incorporate, necessitating a more economical solution for maintaining effective sealing between refrigerator doors and the cabinet.
Innovation Solution
A mullion assembly with a movable mullion portion and hinge assembly, utilizing a follower and biasing device to maintain the mullion in open and closed positions, reducing the reliance on magnets by using a cam structure and biasing mechanism for precise alignment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are used to pull the mullion assembly between opened and closed positions, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic system with a mechanical cam-based system. The cam structure with recesses and protrusions mechanically engages the mullion assembly to provide the pulling force needed for sealing, eliminating the need for expensive magnets while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the magnetic components from the system entirely, replacing them with a purely mechanical alternative. The cam structure and follower mechanism are designed to function independently of magnetic fields, simplifying the overall system and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If magnets are used for mullion positioning, then the positioning function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex magnetic positioning system with a simpler mechanical cam-follower system. The cam structure's geometric shape provides the positioning function through direct mechanical contact, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the cam structure itself. The cam simultaneously provides positioning, guiding, and actuating functions through its integrated geometry, eliminating the need for separate magnetic components and reducing overall device complexity.
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
This solution provides an economical and effective mechanism for maintaining the mullion assembly in precise positions, enhancing the sealing between refrigerator doors and the cabinet without the need for expensive magnets, ensuring reliable operation and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The mullion recess also receives a biasing device extending in a direction that is substantially transverse to the direction along which the mullion body extends, which biases the follower in a direction away from the mullion body and towards the hinge assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator assembly includes a mullion assembly movably attached with respect to the refrigerator assembly. The mullion assembly includes a mullion portion (50) defining a mullion recess (64). The mullion recess receives a biasing device (72) for engaging a follower (74). A hinge assembly (26) is attached to the mullion portion (50) such that the mullion portion (50) is movable with respect to the hinge assembly (26) between a first position and a second position. The hinge assembly (26) includes a first recess (40) for receiving the follower (74) when the mullion portion (50) is in the first position. The hinge assembly further includes a second recess (42) for receiving the follower (74) when the mullion portion (50) is in the second position.