Optimization and Improvement of Refrigerator Hinge Front Gap and Flush Tolerance Design Using Statistical Method and FEM-based Analysis

초록

The defect in the front gap and flush of a refrigerator is an appearance defect that reduces the consumer's desire to purchase and contributes to consumer dissatisfaction. In other words, it is an appearance defect (3F defect, i.e., feel, fit, finish) corresponding to function, suitability, and finishing. It is regarded as a significant factor directly impacting product quality. In this study, the assembly process responsible for the front-back gap and flush was analyzed using statistical methods and FEM-based structural analysis for the step difference that occurs during refrigerator assembly. Subsequently, the control factor that could reduce the gap and flush was derived, and the appearance defect was improved by establishing Big Y and Little y's. To derive an improvement measure for the main factor, an FEM-based structural analysis was performed according to the tightening force. Finally, after aligning the structural analysis results with the test results, the critical factors were verified through correlation and regression analyses on the design dimensions. Additionally, the process capability analysis and Xbar-R control chart were used to optimize the dimensions of the fine assembly between the hinge cover and cabinet, and a management measure was established. Subsequently, the product design criteria were established through tolerance design improvement. If these product design criteria are standardized and applied to a refrigerator assembly, it can significantly improve the appearance quality of the refrigerator by significantly reducing the uneven front gap and flush.

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