Adjustable Refrigerator Bin with Rail-Mounted Actuator Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator bins are not highly configurable, limiting their ability to accommodate various user preferences and the characteristics of stored goods, and do not maximize space within the door area.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bin system for refrigerators, featuring bins that can move along rails between different locations, utilizing actuators and bushings for secure positioning and easy reconfiguration, allowing for customizable storage solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bins are fixed at predetermined locations using molded-in hangers, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the configurability is limited and cannot accommodate user preferences or variety of stored goods
Solution Approach 1:
The bin system transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. Rails are mounted on door surfaces allowing bins to be repositioned vertically along the rail length. The actuator mechanism enables the bin to move between engaged (secured) and disengaged (movable) states, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If predetermined shelves are used in the door area, then the structure is simple, but the space utilization is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system becomes dynamically adjustable along the vertical rails mounted on the door. Users can reposition bins to maximize space utilization based on stored item characteristics and door available space, transforming rigid predetermined shelves into flexible adaptive storage solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The door storage space is segmented into multiple adjustable positions along the vertical rails. This segmentation allows independent positioning of bins at different heights, enabling optimized space utilization for various storage needs without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bins are made adjustable and movable along rails, then the configurability and space utilization are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like actuators and bushings
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the bin positioning system. It provides a simple user interface (pushing the actuator) that triggers the bin to move between engaged and disengaged states, hiding the mechanical complexity of the positioning mechanism while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically returns the actuator to its engaged position after user actuation, providing self-service functionality. The system self-regulates the bin position without requiring continuous user intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance having one or more adjustable bins. The refrigerator door may include the one or more adjustable bins. The adjustable bin may move along one or more rails. The adjustable bin may include one or more actuators engaging the one or more rails. The adjustable bin may include one or more bushings slidably engaging the one or more rails. The adjustable bin may include a storage bin removable from a carriage. The adjustable bin may include a locking mechanism between the storage bin and the carriage. The carriage may include one or more actuators.