Appliance bin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated appliances with door-in-door configurations often lack efficient access to bins from both sides, limiting user convenience and storage flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable bin system is integrated within the appliance, featuring a bracket with a rotatable member that allows the bin to move between two positions, enabling access from either side by opening the first or second door, and a latch mechanism to maintain the bin's position during door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bin is fixed in a door-in-door configuration, then the structure is simple and stable, but access from both sides is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bin is made rotatable about a vertical axis rather than being fixed, allowing it to dynamically change orientation between facing the first door and facing the second door. This dynamic positioning enables access from either side while maintaining a relatively simple bracket-based rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin serves multiple functions by being accessible from two different sides (first door and second door), effectively replacing what would traditionally require two separate bins. The single bin structure performs the storage function for both door accesses, reducing overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable bin mechanism is added to enable dual-side access, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is segmented into discrete components: a bracket attached to the first door, a rotatable member with vertical axis, and a latch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and maintenance while enabling dual-side access.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary between the first door and the bin, providing the rotation axis and support structure. The latch mechanism serves as an intermediary to maintain the bin in desired positions during rotation, reducing the complexity of direct user manipulation of the bin itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bin is made movable to increase storage flexibility, then adaptability improves, but stability and positioning reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to engage automatically or be easily engaged to secure the bin in predetermined positions before use. This preliminary positioning ensures the bin is reliably held in place (facing either door) during normal operation, preventing accidental movement while maintaining flexibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamically controllable position, rotating about a vertical axis when needed. The rotation capability provides adaptability for dual-side access, while the controlled nature of the rotation (via bracket and latch) maintains reliability during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated appliance is provided herein. The refrigerated appliance includes a cabinet defining a compartment. A first door is coupled to the cabinet. The first door defines a storage chamber therein. A second door is disposed on an opposing side of the first door from the cabinet. A bin is disposed within the chamber. A bracket is disposed between the first door and the bin. The bracket includes a rotatable member to rotate the bin between first and second positions.