A cooling device with a movable separator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling device drawers are inefficiently utilized due to structural limitations, as separators cannot stand vertically and do not allow for simultaneous use of the entire chamber, and existing solutions do not provide adequate storage or easy cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A cooling device with a drawer that includes a removable inner box with grooved parts, allowing for separation into multiple chambers and easy movement, enabling the entire drawer to be used as a single chamber when needed, and facilitating cleaning by guiding the inner box with undulated grooves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a separator is used to divide the drawer into chambers, then storage efficiency is improved, but the separator cannot stand vertically and cannot be easily removed for cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separator is divided into multiple detachable parts (first separator part and second separator part) that can be easily removed and cleaned separately, while still effectively dividing the drawer into chambers when assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separator is designed to be movable and reconfigurable within the drawer, allowing it to be positioned vertically to stand firmly during storage, and easily removed or repositioned for cleaning purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the drawer is divided into multiple chambers, then storage organization is improved, but the entire chamber cannot be utilized simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage organizationVSAvoidchamber utilization flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The separator positions are adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the drawer configuration to be dynamically changed between multiple chambers and single chamber modes based on storage needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drawer is designed to serve multiple functions - it can operate as divided chambers for organized storage or as a single unified chamber for bulk storage, making it adaptable to different usage scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If a storage bin is assembled to the cooling device door, then access to additional storage is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The additional storage function is merged with the existing drawer structure by using the drawer's base and side walls as part of the storage bin, eliminating the need for a separate door-mounted storage bin

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drawer serves dual purposes - it functions as both a standard drawer and as a storage bin when the separator is removed, eliminating the need for separate door-mounted storage structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2645030B1A cooling device with a movable separator
Publication Date: 2017.10.04 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2645030B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2645030B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2645030B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cooling device, particularly a domestic refrigerator, having a heat-insulated body (10); a drawer (20) disposed into the body (10) in a movable manner; and grooves (22) formed on a base (21) provided at the drawer (20) between mutual walls (23, 24; 25, 26). As an improvement, the subject matter invention comprises at least one inner box (30) which rests by being guided on the grooves (22) of the drawer (20) so as to separate the drawer (20) into at least two chambers.