Bottom-Freezer Slide Assembly for Handle-Free Drawer Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bottom freezer type refrigerators, users face difficulties in accessing the freezing chamber due to the need to bend and apply force to pull out the door and receiving box, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, and existing solutions either require a protruding handle or a motor-driven system that compromises storage volume and heat shield effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that includes a slide assembly with a driving motor and pinion system allowing the door and receiving box to be automatically drawn in and out using an input unit, eliminating the need for a protruding handle and maintaining storage volume by moving the motor with the receiving box, while ensuring complete access and airtight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a protruding handle is used to pull out the door and receiving box, then ease of operation is improved, but storage volume is reduced and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical handle system with an automated motor-driven system. The motor (51) is mounted on the slide assembly (30) and drives the door (17) and receiving box (175) in and out through the pinion (52) and rack (315) mechanism, eliminating the need for a protruding handle and manual pulling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically drawing the receiving box in and out using the motor-driven mechanism. The user simply presses a button on the input unit (222), and the system autonomously completes the retrieval operation without requiring manual handling of heavy loads.
2Ease of operation
If a motor-driven system is installed in the main body to automatically draw out the receiving box, then ease of operation is improved, but storage volume is reduced and heat shield effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motor (51) a movable component that travels with the receiving box (175) on the slide assembly (30). This dynamic configuration allows the motor to be positioned outside the main body when not in use, preserving storage volume and heat shield integrity while enabling automated operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is relocated from the traditional fixed position within the main body to a position on the slide assembly that extends outward. This spatial reconfiguration in another dimension (outside the main body envelope) resolves the conflict between automation and storage volume preservation.
3Device complexity
If the motor is fixed to the main body, then device complexity is reduced, but storage volume is reduced and heat shield performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The motor (51) is designed as a movable component mounted on the slide assembly (30) rather than being fixed to the main body. This dynamic mounting allows the motor to move with the receiving box during operation while maintaining a compact configuration that preserves storage volume when the receiving box is retracted.
4Productivity
If the door is closed quickly to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but reliability of sealing is reduced causing cool air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operation is divided into periodic phases: a first period with higher voltage for rapid door movement to improve productivity, and a second period with reduced voltage for gentle deceleration and sealing to ensure reliability. This time-based control strategy resolves the conflict between speed and sealing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller prepares for sealing by reducing motor voltage in advance before the door reaches the closed position. This preliminary action ensures that the door is already decelerating and ready for a gentle, seal-preserving closure, preventing cool air leakage while maintaining overall productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances user convenience by allowing easy access to the freezing chamber without manual effort, maintains storage volume, and ensures airtight sealing, reducing the risk of cool air leakage and improving safety by avoiding manual handling of heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion (52) that is rotated by the driving motor (51)
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator and a method for controlling the same are provided. In this refrigerator and control method, a receiving box may be automatically drawn in and out together with a door based on a movement command received at an input unit, thus enhancing user convenience and satisfaction.