Adjustable Support Members for Refrigeration Storage Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage assemblies in refrigeration appliances face challenges in convenient and easy adjustment of storage units, as current support members often require complex installation and maintenance, limiting flexibility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A support member design featuring a first and second end with attaching elements such as hooks and slots, allowing for releasable suspension and sliding movement, enabling easy adjustment and positioning of storage units within refrigeration appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional brackets and fasteners are used to support storage units, then the storage units can be securely supported, but the installation and adjustment become complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into distinct functional segments: an attaching element portion with hook and slot features for suspension, and a support portion for carrying storage units. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member incorporates movable features including a slot that allows vertical adjustment of the support portion relative to the attaching element, and a hook that can be engaged and disengaged from overhanging structures. This dynamic design enables easy installation and repositioning without complex tools or procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage units are fixed in position, then they provide stable support, but they cannot be easily repositioned or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The support member enables dynamic positioning through the slot feature that allows the support portion to move vertically along the attached storage unit, and the hook that can be engaged or disengaged from overhanging structures. This provides both stability when engaged and flexibility for repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The attaching element acts as an intermediary between the support member and the overhanging structure, providing a mechanism that maintains stable support through the hook engagement while allowing easy repositioning through the slot feature. This intermediary design resolves the conflict between stability and adaptability.
3Ease of repair
If complex fastening mechanisms are used, then the support is more secure, but the maintenance and adjustment require more time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The hook and slot features enable quick engagement and disengagement without tools, allowing users to install, adjust, or remove support members rapidly. The dynamic design eliminates the need for complex fastening mechanisms while maintaining secure support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member design allows users to perform installation and adjustment themselves without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise. The simple hook and slot mechanism is intuitive and easy to manipulate, enabling self-service maintenance and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage assembly can include a first storage unit and at least one support member. The at least one support member can include a support member first end and a support member second end. The at least one support member also can include a support member first portion that extends between the support member first end and the support member second end and is releasably attached to the first storage unit. The at least one support member can further include a support member second portion that extends between the support member first end and the support member second end and is joined to the support member first portion beneath the support member first portion. The storage assembly also can include a second storage unit that is secured to the support member second portion. The support member can be employed with storage units having a variety of constructs.