A cooling device comprising a shelf the height of which can be adjusted

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling devices require users to remove shelves entirely to adjust their height, which is cumbersome and costly, and existing solutions complicate operations on the side walls.

Innovation Solution

A height adjustment mechanism with a rotating connection member, pin, and heart mechanism that allows shelf height adjustment without removal, using channels and guiding members for precise vertical movement, and a biasing mechanism for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the shelf height is adjusted by removing the shelf entirely and placing it in different channel pairs, then the shelf height can be changed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires removing objects from the shelf

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf height adjustabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf transitions from a static fixed-position component to a dynamic adjustable component. The height adjustment mechanism allows the shelf to move vertically along the side walls through a heart mechanism with multiple housings at different heights, enabling the shelf to adapt to different storage needs while remaining in place during adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A heart mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the shelf and the side wall channels. This mechanism includes multiple housings positioned at different heights, allowing the shelf to be adjusted to intermediate positions without complete removal. The mechanism mediates the transition between fixed height positions while maintaining shelf stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex channel structures are used on the side walls to enable shelf height adjustment without removal, then shelf adjustability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf height adjustabilityVSAvoidside wall manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The side wall structure is segmented into modular components: standard channels for shelf support and a separate heart mechanism with discrete housings at specific heights. This segmentation allows the main side wall to be manufactured with simple channels, while the height adjustment functionality is provided by separate, standardized heart mechanism units that can be independently manufactured and assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than creating complex static channel structures, the invention uses a dynamic heart mechanism that can be integrated into standard channels. The mechanism includes movable components (pin, connection member) that enable height adjustment without requiring complex molded channels, simplifying the side wall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the shelf remains fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to optimize interior space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidspace optimization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf system incorporates dynamic height adjustment capability through the heart mechanism, allowing the shelf position to be changed according to storage requirements. This enables optimization of interior space utilization by adjusting shelf heights to match the dimensions of different food items or container sizes, while the overall structural design remains relatively simple and straightforward

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2766680B1A cooling device comprising a shelf the height of which can be adjusted
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 ARCELIK AS
  • EP2766680B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2766680B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2766680B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising a body (2) having two opposite side walls (3) and a rear wall (4), at least one shelf (5) whereon the items are placed and at least one height adjustment mechanism (6) that provides the changing of the height of the shelf (5).