Angled-Edge Shelf Design for Improved Visibility in Refrigerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelves in climatization containers, such as refrigerators, restrict the field of view due to their thickness, particularly when multiple shelves are closely packed, as thicker shelves occlude the view of products below.
Innovation Solution
The shelves are designed with a first folded portion at the front edge forming an acute angle with the shelf surface, typically between 45° and 80°, preferably 60°, to reduce apparent thickness and enhance visibility without compromising strength or rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the shelf is made thicker to increase rigidity and strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the field of view for products below the shelf is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf edge is folded back at an acute angle (45°-80°) instead of being perpendicular, changing the dimensional orientation of the shelf thickness. This angular folding reduces the apparent thickness in the viewing direction while maintaining the structural thickness for strength, thereby improving field of view without compromising rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
The folding is applied specifically at the front edge of the shelf where visibility is most affected, while the rest of the shelf maintains its full thickness for structural support. This localized modification optimizes the viewing area without weakening the overall shelf structure
2Ease of operation
If the shelf thickness is reduced to improve visibility, then the field of view is improved, but the strength and rigidity of the shelf is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the shelf edge at an acute angle rather than reducing the overall thickness, the apparent thickness in the viewing direction is reduced while the actual structural thickness is maintained through the folded geometry, preserving strength while improving visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The folding creates an angular geometry that optimizes the visual profile of the shelf. The acute angle fold (45°-80°) creates a sleeker appearance and reduces visual bulk without sacrificing the structural integrity provided by the folded metal geometry
3Strength
If the shelf edge is folded at 90° to increase rigidity, then the structural strength is improved, but the apparent thickness is increased and visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf edge is folded at an acute angle (45°-80°) instead of 90°, changing the angular dimension of the fold. This reduces the apparent thickness projection while maintaining the folded geometry's structural benefits, creating a more visually appealing and space-efficient appearance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A shelf (10) for use in a climatization container. The shelf comprises a sheet comprising a shelf surface (13) and a first folded portion (17) at a front edge of the shelf. The first folded portion is folded relative the shelf surface such that an acute angle is formed between the shelf surface and the first folded portion. A climatization container including the shelf within a storage compartment (2) is also disclosed.