Adjustable Refrigerator Door Bins With Continuous Track Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliance bins are limited by a small number of discreet mounting locations, requiring two hands to move and reattach, which restricts storage configuration flexibility and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A bin with a tab that couples to a track, allowing sliding movement along a continuum of positions, and an actuator that selectively moves a pin to engage or release, enabling one-handed adjustment and locking at desired positions without fully disconnecting from the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bin mounting arrangements are used with discreet mounting locations, then the bin structure is simple, but the adaptability of storage configuration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed discrete mounting locations with a continuous track system that allows the bin to be positioned at any point along the track. The track is mounted to the door and receives the bin, enabling continuous adjustment rather than movement between predetermined locations. This dynamic mounting system provides unlimited storage configuration flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If conventional bins require two hands to move and reattach, then the mounting structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a locking mechanism consisting of a pin and actuator that serves as a mediator between the user and the bin mounting system. The pin can be engaged or disengaged from the door using a simple actuator, allowing the bin to be securely held at any position along the track or easily moved. This intermediary mechanism enables one-handed operation while maintaining secure mounting, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and mounting security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bin is fully disconnected from the door for repositioning, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a continuous track system with a locking mechanism that allows the bin to remain connected to the door during repositioning. The bin slides along the track to the desired location and is then secured using the pin and actuator mechanism. This eliminates the need to fully disconnect and reattach the bin, significantly reducing repositioning time while maintaining full adaptability of bin placement.
4Productivity
If discrete mounting locations are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity of storage reconfiguration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing discrete mounting locations with a continuous track system that allows the bin to be positioned at any point along the track. The locking mechanism with pin and actuator enables quick securing at the desired position. This dynamic system dramatically improves storage reconfiguration efficiency by allowing continuous adjustment rather than movement between limited predetermined locations, while the mounting system remains relatively simple in overall design.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a storage system and a refrigeration appliance including the storage system for storing food items in a temperature-controlled environment. The storage system includes a bin and a tab attached to the bin. The tab is configured to couple the bin to a track and guide the bin along a continuum of positions on the track. The storage system further includes an actuator attached to the bin that is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The storage system still further includes a pin slidingly engaged with the bin. The bin is movable into a plurality of positions relative to the track. The pin in an engaged position is configured to prevent movement of the bin at any desired point within the continuum of positions on the track.