Adjustable Bottle Storage Rack for Flexible Refrigerator Shelving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerated goods carriers in refrigeration appliances are not well-suited for storing bottles lying flat due to lack of barriers, leading to noise and potential scratches, and existing solutions for horizontal storage are limited in accommodating bottles of different sizes or restrict the use of space for other items.
Innovation Solution
A modular bottle rack system with two interlocking plates that can be adjusted to accommodate varying numbers of bottles, allowing flexible adaptation of space usage, featuring complementary stops and a tongue-and-groove mechanism for secure bottle storage and easy reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rack with brackets is used to store bottles horizontally, then bottles can be stored stably, but the rack can only accommodate bottles of specific sizes and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle rack is divided into two separate plates (first plate and second plate) that can be independently positioned. Each plate can be placed in different longitudinal positions relative to the cooling carrier, allowing the rack to adapt to bottles of various lengths while maintaining stable storage through the distributed bracket structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure is made dynamic by allowing the second plate to be displaced longitudinally relative to the first plate and the cooling carrier. This dynamic positioning capability enables the rack to accommodate different bottle sizes and configurations, transforming a static structure into an adaptable storage system.
2Reliability
If grooves are added to the cooling carrier for bottle storage, then bottles can be stored safely, but the space cannot be used for other types of refrigerated goods
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle storage function is segmented into a separate, movable rack structure that can be positioned only when needed. The main cooling carrier surface remains clear and can be used for other refrigerated goods, while the rack provides dedicated bottle storage when required, achieving both safety and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottle rack is designed as a movable structure that can be positioned and removed as needed. When the rack is removed, the entire cooling carrier surface is available for other types of refrigerated goods, providing dynamic space allocation that adapts to different storage requirements.
3Reliability
If a fixed bottle rack structure is used, then bottles are stored stably, but space not needed for bottles is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle rack is designed as a movable structure that can be positioned only when bottles need to be stored. When no bottles are present, the rack can be removed entirely, allowing the underlying cooling carrier surface to be used for other purposes. This dynamic deployment eliminates wasted space while maintaining stable bottle storage when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A bottle storage element for a refrigeration appliance, especially a domestic refrigeration appliance, comprises a first plate (7) the top of which has a deepened portion (9) for accommodating a lying bottle (3), and at least one second plate (8). The first plate (7) has a recess for the at least one second plate (8; 28, 29). The plates (7, 8) can be displaced relative each other between a withdrawn position, in which a deepened portion (12) of the second plate (8) is substantially hidden under the first plate (7), and at least one off-set position, in which the deepened portion (12) of the second plate (8) is at least substantially exposed.