Adjustable Shelf Support Assembly With Rotatable Latch Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional appliances such as refrigerators and ovens often have limited vertical adjustability and securing mechanisms for shelves or racks, making it cumbersome for users to adjust the height, especially with limited vertical positions and weight capacity.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable shelf support assembly with rotatable latches and locking mechanisms that allow for multiple vertical positions and secure locking, enabling users to adjust and lock the shelf or rack at desired heights, using a pair of opposing side walls with slide assemblies and locking legs that pivot within a vertical plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed protrusions are used for shelf support, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the vertical adjustability is limited and operation is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple discrete components: side walls with horizontal supports, adjustable shelves, and latch mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned, enabling continuous vertical adjustability while keeping individual parts simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from fixed protrusions to a dynamic adjustable structure. The shelves can be moved vertically along the side walls and locked at any position using the latch mechanism, providing continuous adaptability rather than fixed positions, while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more vertical levels are provided for adjustability, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are designed with multiple horizontal supports that can accommodate shelves at various vertical positions. The universal latch mechanism can secure shelves at any of these positions, providing multi-functionality without requiring different components for each position, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while increasing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complexity in the vertical dimension with more fixed levels, the solution provides continuous adjustability along the vertical dimension through the movable shelf and latch system. This transforms the problem from discrete vertical levels to continuous vertical positioning, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added to fix shelf position, then the reliability of shelf positioning improves, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-locking, automatically securing the shelf position when engaged. The simple lever action allows users to easily lock and unlock the shelf without requiring additional tools or complex operations, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable position fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple latch mechanism distinct from the shelf and side wall structures. This modular approach allows the locking mechanism to be independently optimized for both reliability and ease of operation, without complicating the overall support assembly.
4Strength
If the shelf support structure is made more robust to support various weights, then the strength and reliability improve, but the device complexity and ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are pre-equipped with multiple horizontal supports positioned at different heights, creating a robust framework capable of supporting various weights. This preliminary structural preparation allows the adjustable shelf system to leverage the inherent strength of the side wall supports without adding complex reinforcement, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring adequate weight capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance is provided having one or more racks or shelves, the position of which may be adjusted vertically. Multiple different positions along the vertical direction can be made available for selection by a user of the appliance. One or more mechanisms allow for the selective adjustment and securing of the vertical position at which a shelf may be located.