Adjustable Locking Shelf Insert for Refrigerator Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a secure and adjustable barrier structure within refrigerators or freezers to control access to storage shelves, as existing solutions lack flexibility and adaptability in form factor and locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A locking shelf insert comprising adjustable shells and a door structure, formed by a combination of first and second shells with a door structure that provides access control, allowing for telescopic adjustment and locking functionality to secure the storage space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed barrier structure is used to control access to storage shelves, then access control is provided, but flexibility and adaptability in form factor are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and adaptability in form factorVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable barrier structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier structure is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can independently adjust in length. Each section contains internal components that allow for extension and retraction, enabling the barrier to adapt to different storage shelf configurations while maintaining structural integrity through segmented design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier structure incorporates telescopic mechanisms with locking components that enable dynamic adjustment between extended and retracted states. The locking mechanism allows the barrier to transition from a flexible adjustable state to a fixed secure state, providing both adaptability and stability as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a simple barrier structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but locking functionality and access control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionality and access controlVSAvoidease of manufacture of barrier structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is nested within the telescopic structure, with locking components integrated into the existing barrier sections. This nesting approach allows the locking functionality to be incorporated without adding significant external complexity, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing reliable access control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier structure and locking mechanism are combined into a single integrated unit. The locking components are merged with the telescopic sections, allowing the barrier to provide both structural division and secure locking functionality through a unified design that simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable barrier structure is implemented, then flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of barrier structureVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable barrier structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic barrier structure incorporates universal components that serve multiple functions. The same telescopic mechanism provides both adjustment capability and structural support, while integrated locking components provide both security and position maintenance, reducing overall complexity through multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10976099B1Locking shelf insert for use with a refrigerator or freezer

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 WEAVER ERIC

AI summary

The locking shelf insert for use with a refrigerator or freezer is configured for use with a storage device selected from the group consisting of a refrigerator and a freezer. The selected storage device further comprises a storage shelf. The locking shelf insert for use with a refrigerator or freezer is a barrier structure that attaches to the storage shelf. The locking shelf insert for use with a refrigerator or freezer forms a barricade that controls access into the storage space provided by the storage shelf. The locking shelf insert for use with a refrigerator or freezer comprises a first shell, a second shell, and a door structure. The first shell, the second shell, and the third shell combine to form the barricade such that the form factor of the barricade is adjustable. The door structure provides access into the protected storage space formed by the barricade.