A journal-coupler includes a first portion including a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion and a second portion that is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion and connect over a first torque tube and a second torque tube. The journal-coupler sustains a continuous electrical ground path between the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube and the second portion.

Systems and methods for swiveling a panel in relation to a panel frame are described. An exemplar panel swivel system includes a swivel support member, a housing subassembly, and a shaft. The swivel support member includes a base portion that has a first terminating end, a second terminating end, and has defined therein a shaft receiving aperture. The swivel support member further includes a raised surface extending from the first terminating end of the base portion and is designed to contact a top support structure and a securing edge extending from the second terminating end of that base portion, which is designed to contact a side support structure. The housing subassembly extends an elevated distance above the base portion. A central aperture defined in the housing subassembly aligned with the shaft receiving aperture. The shaft extends a shaft length and at least some of the shaft passes through the central aperture and the shaft receiving aperture. The shaft terminates at a panel fitting end that is designed to engage with a panel.

Systems and methods for swiveling a panel in relation to a panel frame are described. An exemplar panel swivel system includes a swivel support member, a housing subassembly, and a shaft. The swivel support member includes a base portion that has a first terminating end, a second terminating end, and has defined therein a shaft receiving aperture. The swivel support member further includes a raised surface extending from the first terminating end of the base portion and is designed to contact a top support structure and a securing edge extending from the second terminating end of that base portion, which is designed to contact a side support structure. The housing subassembly extends an elevated distance above the base portion. A central aperture defined in the housing subassembly aligned with the shaft receiving aperture. The shaft extends a shaft length and at least some of the shaft passes through the central aperture and the shaft receiving aperture. The shaft terminates at a panel fitting end that is designed to engage with a panel.

A hinge structure includes: a base having an axial hole whose an inner wall has positioning concave portions; at least one torque element, disposed in the axial hole and includes a torque providing portion and positioning convex portions; and a rotation shaft, passing through the through hole. The torque providing portion surrounds a central axis of the axial hole to form a through hole, the torque providing portion has a fracture adjacent to the through hole, and the positioning convex portions are connected to the torque providing portion and correspond to the positioning concave portions respectively. The torque providing portion and the positioning convex portions are located on a same virtual plane perpendicular to the center axis. A first virtual straight line on the virtual plane passes through the fracture and the center axis, and at least some positioning convex portions are not located on the first virtual straight line.

A hinge structure includes: a base having an axial hole whose an inner wall has positioning concave portions; at least one torque element, disposed in the axial hole and includes a torque providing portion and positioning convex portions; and a rotation shaft, passing through the through hole. The torque providing portion surrounds a central axis of the axial hole to form a through hole, the torque providing portion has a fracture adjacent to the through hole, and the positioning convex portions are connected to the torque providing portion and correspond to the positioning concave portions respectively. The torque providing portion and the positioning convex portions are located on a same virtual plane perpendicular to the center axis. A first virtual straight line on the virtual plane passes through the fracture and the center axis, and at least some positioning convex portions are not located on the first virtual straight line.

A method of manufacturing a door hinge, which can improve productivity by applying both metal injection molding and additive manufacturing is disclosed. The method includes: preparing a first mixture of a first metal powder and a first binder, and a second mixture of a second metal powder and a second binder; molding the first mixture into a first body including a first connection member having a first pinhole; molding the first mixture into a second body including a second connection member having a second pinhole to communicate with the first pinhole; arranging the first body and the second body to align the first pinhole and the second pinhole along an axis to form a cavity; forming a pin member with the second mixture in the cavity by adding up droplets of the second mixture in the cavity; and sintering the first body, the second body, and the pin member.

A method of manufacturing a door hinge, which can improve productivity by applying both metal injection molding and additive manufacturing is disclosed. The method includes: preparing a first mixture of a first metal powder and a first binder, and a second mixture of a second metal powder and a second binder; molding the first mixture into a first body including a first connection member having a first pinhole; molding the first mixture into a second body including a second connection member having a second pinhole to communicate with the first pinhole; arranging the first body and the second body to align the first pinhole and the second pinhole along an axis to form a cavity; forming a pin member with the second mixture in the cavity by adding up droplets of the second mixture in the cavity; and sintering the first body, the second body, and the pin member.

The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door and a hinge body. A guide block is provided on the door, a rotation shaft is provided on the hinge body, and rotation shaft grooves are provided on the guide block. With the structure of the hinge body, the gravity of the door and the friction force may be shared onto the first and second plate bodies of the hinge body, thereby reducing abrasion and prolonging the service life of the door of the refrigerator.

The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door and a hinge body. A guide block is provided on the door, a rotation shaft is provided on the hinge body, and rotation shaft grooves are provided on the guide block. With the structure of the hinge body, the gravity of the door and the friction force may be shared onto the first and second plate bodies of the hinge body, thereby reducing abrasion and prolonging the service life of the door of the refrigerator.

The present invention provides a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door and a hinge body. A guide block is fixedly provided on the door, a positioning shaft and a guiding shaft are provided on the hinge body, and a positioning groove and a guiding groove are provided on the guide block; the door of the refrigerator according to the present invention may be moved by a distance in a direction away from a pivoting side when being opened, thereby avoiding inconvenience of opening the door due to the protrusion of the side wall of the door.