Bin assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bin assemblies with roller assemblies mounted directly to the side using an axle are prone to failure, leading to issues such as breaking the pan and creating a chock hazard, and result in increased wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A bin assembly design featuring a locking member with a flange and cover configuration that secures the roller assembly to the bin assembly, preventing direct contact and wear, and utilizing a rotatable member with a wheel and axle for movement between stowed and deployed positions, made from materials like polyoxymethylene for enhanced performance at cold temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the axle is configured to screw directly into the side of the bin assembly, then the roller assembly can be mounted to the bin assembly, but the roller assembly is prone to failure and breaking the pan
Solution Approach 1:
A pan boss is introduced as an intermediary component between the roller assembly and the bin assembly. The axle screws into the pan boss rather than directly into the bin assembly side wall. This intermediary structure distributes the mechanical loads and prevents direct contact that causes failure, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through a straightforward assembly process.
2Device complexity
If the roller assembly is mounted directly to the bin assembly, then the structure is simpler, but wear and tear increases leading to chock hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The pan boss serves as a mediator that reduces wear and tear on the bin assembly. By positioning the roller assembly on the pan boss rather than directly on the bin assembly side wall, the structure prevents direct friction and wear contact. This intermediary approach maintains relatively simple device complexity while significantly improving wear resistance and eliminating chock hazards.
3Ease of operation
If the roller assembly contacts the bin assembly directly, then the mounting is straightforward, but failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pan boss is positioned to provide a dedicated mounting surface for the roller assembly, eliminating direct contact with the bin assembly. This intermediary structure maintains ease of operation through simple screw-fastening while dramatically reducing failure risk by preventing the roller assembly from bearing loads directly on the bin assembly side wall.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bin assembly (16) for use in a refrigeration appliance includes a substrate (32) defining a compartment (34) and a cavity (78) external to the compartment (34). A locking member having a flange extending therefrom is disposed within an opening defined by an exterior wall of the cavity (78). A cover is coupled with the locking member on an opposing side of the substrate (32) from the flange. A rotatable member is operably coupled with an aperture defined by the cover, the locking member, and the exterior wall of the cavity (78).