Adjustable rack device and refrigerator having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Racks in refrigerators have fixed heights, limiting space utilization and requiring complex manual repositioning when taller items are stored, reducing the internal space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable rack device with a slide rail assembly and elastic assembly, allowing racks to be positioned and fixed at any height, featuring a constant force coil spring to counteract gravity and a pulley mechanism for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If racks are arranged at fixed heights corresponding to liner ribs, then more food can be stored utilizing the racks, but the space utilization rate of the refrigerator is reduced when higher articles are placed on the racks
Solution Approach 1:
The rack height is changed from fixed to adjustable through a sliding mechanism. The rack body can slide along the liner rib in the vertical direction and be fixed at different heights, allowing dynamic adaptation to different storage needs and improving space utilization rate while maintaining food storage capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rack is manually removed from one liner rib and placed on another liner rib, then the rack can be repositioned, but the operation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates a self-fixing mechanism with a fixing component that automatically engages with the liner rib at selected heights. The user simply slides the rack to the desired position and releases the fixing component, which self-locks into place, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation and greatly simplifying the repositioning operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rack is manually removed and repositioned, then the rack can be adjusted to different heights, but the up-down movement process is complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
A sliding plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the rack body and the liner rib. The sliding plate carries the fixing component and moves along the liner rib, allowing the rack to be easily adjusted to different heights through simple sliding motion followed by automatic fixing, making the height adjustment process simple and user-friendly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy and stable adjustment of rack positions, optimizing space utilization and maintaining structural integrity, enhancing the refrigerator's storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a first end of an elastic assembly is provided at an end portion of the rail groove located at a supporting surface of the rack body, and a second end of the elastic assembly is connected with the sliding plate and gives an elastic restoring force towards the first end of the elastic assembly to the sliding plate
Implementation Method 2
the elastic assembly is a constant force coil spring having an elastic restoring force equal to gravity of the rack assembly, so as to counteract the gravity of the rack assembly completely
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an adjustable rack device and a refrigerator having the same; the adjustable rack device includes a rack assembly and a slide rail assembly, the rack assembly includes a rack body and a bracket, the slide rail assembly includes a rail groove, an elastic assembly, a sliding plate fixedly connected with the bracket and at least two stop positions, a first end of the elastic assembly is provided at an end portion of the rail groove located at a supporting surface of the rack body, and a second end of the elastic assembly is connected with the sliding plate and provides an elastic restoring force for the sliding plate. Gravity of an adjustable rack is not required to be overcome for work in a moving process of the rack, and the rack is more portable and labor-saving.