Refrigerator Storage Unit Locking Layout for Space-Saving Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances with low-pressure storage units face issues of reduced space utilization and aesthetic concerns due to the design of their locking mechanisms, which occupy additional space and compromise the airtightness and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A compact storage unit design where the locking mechanism's second matching portion is integrated within the main body's front surface, allowing engagement without extending beyond the side wall, and a handle system that transmits movement via a shaft to avoid direct connections, maintaining airtightness and improving appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking mechanism is designed with a rod extending across the front of the door and supporting parts pivotally connected to the door, then the locking function is achieved, but the space occupied by the storage unit increases and the space utilization ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The second matching portion is moved from the outer surface of the side wall to the front surface of the main body, changing the spatial dimension of the locking mechanism. This allows the first matching portion to engage with the second matching portion in front of the front surface, eliminating the need for the rod to extend across the door front and reducing the space occupied by the storage unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is extracted from the structure by having the first matching portion extend directly from the door to engage with the second matching portion on the front surface. This removes the intermediate supporting parts and pivot connection, simplifying the locking mechanism and reducing the space required.
2Ease of operation
If the rod is provided in front of the door and extends across substantially the whole width of the door, then the locking mechanism can be operated, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised due to the exposed rod
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is completely removed from the structure. Instead, the first matching portion extends directly from the door to engage with the second matching portion on the front surface. This eliminates the exposed rod that compromised aesthetic appearance while maintaining the operational functionality through the engagement mechanism.
3Reliability
If the first matching portion extends to the outside of the main body from the door to engage with the second matching portion on the outer surface of the side wall, then the locking function is achieved, but enough distance must be maintained between the main body and the inner shell, reducing the space utilization ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The second matching portion is relocated from the outer surface of the side wall to the front surface of the main body. This dimensional change allows the locking engagement to occur in front of the front surface rather than requiring lateral extension beyond the side wall, eliminating the need for additional distance between the main body and the inner shell.
4Ease of manufacture
If the first matching portion extends backwardly from the door to the outside of the main body, then the locking mechanism can be disposed, but it negatively affects the whole appearance of the refrigeration appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The backward extension of the first matching portion is eliminated. Instead, the first matching portion extends forward from the door to engage with the second matching portion on the front surface. This forward extension maintains the locking function while avoiding the aesthetic damage caused by backward extension beyond the main body.
5Device complexity
If the movable first matching portion overlaps the second matching portion in the moving direction of the door, then the locking mechanism can be compactly designed, but the first matching portion may collide with the second matching portion during door closing, resulting in damage
Solution Approach 1:
The second matching portion is designed with a guiding surface that preliminarily guides the first matching portion into the correct engagement position before final locking occurs. This preliminary guidance action prevents misalignment and collision during the door closing process, ensuring reliable engagement without damage.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6
AI summary
A storage unit (7), comprising: a main body (8), wherein the main body (8) defines a storage chamber (15) having an opening portion (15a) for putting in or taking out articles; a door (10), for selectively opening or closing the opening portion (15a), wherein the main body (8) comprises a front surface (18) facing the door (10); and a fastening mechanism (34, 44) for fastening the door (10) and the main body (8) when the door (10) is located at a closed position, wherein the fastening mechanism (34, 44) comprises a first matching portion (34) located on the door (10) and a second matching portion (44) located on the main body (8); characterized in that, the first matching portion (34) and the second matching portion (44) are engaged and locked in front of the front surface (18).