Cooler for holding beverage containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage coolers and shelves are not adaptable to hold different sizes and types of beverage containers in various orientations, limiting their versatility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cooler apparatus with movable shelves and a configurable support plate that can be positioned in level or tilted orientations, allowing for the secure storage of beverage containers with circular cross-sections in both vertical and horizontal positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shelf is configured for holding one size or type of beverage container, then the shelf can securely hold that specific type, but it is not suitable for holding other sizes and types of beverage containers
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is made movable and adjustable, allowing it to tilt between a first position (level) and a second position (tilted). This dynamic adjustment enables the same shelf structure to accommodate different container orientations and sizes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf design with adjustable support plate and multiple container engagement features allows a single shelf to serve multiple functions: holding containers vertically, horizontally, at angles, and in various orientations. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without requiring multiple specialized shelves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beverage containers are held in different orientations, then storage flexibility is improved, but the shelf structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable support plate that can tilt between positions enables containers to be held in different orientations (vertical, horizontal, angled) using the same basic shelf structure, achieving orientation flexibility without complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf is divided into functional components: side walls for containment, braces for structural support, and an adjustable support plate for orientation control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the support plate is fixed in a level position, then the shelf structure is simple, but containers with circular cross-section cannot be efficiently accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate can be adjusted between a level position (first position) and a tilted position (second position). When tilted, containers with circular cross-sections naturally roll forward for easy access. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
When the support plate is tilted to the second position, containers with circular cross-sections automatically roll toward the front due to gravity, providing self-service access without requiring manual retrieval. This eliminates the need for complex retrieval mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the shelf is fixed within the enclosure, then the enclosure structure is simple, but user access to containers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is made movable between a retracted position (within the enclosure) and an extended position (partially outside the enclosure). This dynamic positioning allows users to easily access containers by extending the shelf, while maintaining a simple enclosed structure when the shelf is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable shelf acts as an intermediary between the enclosed storage space and the user. It provides a platform that can be extended to bridge the gap, allowing container retrieval without requiring the user to reach deep into the enclosure or open the entire door.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary beverage cooler apparatus (10) has an interior area (14) with a plurality of shelves (24, 26, 28). An exemplary shelf (24, 106) is suitable for supporting beverage containers (78, 158). The shelf includes a pair of side walls (34, 108). A support plate (58, 138) is movably positionable between the side walls. Pivots (68, 146) are in fixed operative connection with the support plate. The pivots are releasably engageable in respective wall recesses (38, 40, 112, 114) in the side walls to selectively position the support plate in a level position or in a tilted position. Dividers (84, 156) are releasably engageable with the support plate to maintain beverage containers in aligned relation.