Cooling shelf for a refrigeration device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated goods shelves in domestic refrigeration devices face challenges due to manufacturing tolerances in deep-drawn plastic containers, leading to instability and rattling noises, as existing solutions either fail to compensate for width variations or complicate assembly and height adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated goods shelf with a frame composed of injection-molded plastic profiles, featuring integrally molded springs and a design that adapts to the inner container's shape, allowing for secure fixation and compensation of width tolerances through a snap-on mechanism and recesses, ensuring immovable installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the width of the refrigerated goods shelf is reduced to fit into narrow inner containers, then the shelf can be installed in deep-drawn containers, but the shelf becomes unstable and produces rattling noises when the inner container is normal or wide
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf incorporates resilient means (springs) that enable dynamic adjustment of the shelf's position and orientation. The resilient means allow the shelf to adapt its width and alignment automatically in response to variations in inner container width, maintaining stability across different container dimensions without producing rattling noises.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf design includes resilient means that change the physical parameters (position, orientation, width) of the shelf based on the inner container's width. This allows the shelf to automatically adjust its dimensions and alignment to match the actual container size, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If springs are used to center the refrigerated goods shelf and compensate for width tolerances, then the shelf can be stabilized, but the springs must be longer and the adapters become larger and more conspicuous
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient means are integrated directly into the shelf structure itself rather than being separate components in adapters. This merging of the resilient elements with the shelf reduces the need for additional adapters and their associated components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining centering accuracy and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering and stabilization function is extracted from separate adapters and incorporated directly into the shelf structure through integrated resilient means. This eliminates the need for complex adapter assemblies and reduces device complexity while achieving the same centering accuracy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adapters with springs are used to fix the shelf, then the shelf can be centered, but the assembly work increases and changing the installation height becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient means are combined with the shelf as an integrated structure, allowing the shelf to be installed and adjusted as a single unit. This eliminates the need to assemble and coordinate separate adapters with the shelf, reducing assembly work and simplifying height adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient means automatically perform the centering function without requiring manual adjustment or complex assembly procedures. The shelf self-adjusts to the correct position through the action of the integrated resilient elements, reducing the skill and time required for installation and height changes.
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 provides a secure, noise-free, and adjustable refrigerated goods shelf that can be easily installed and adapted to varying inner container widths, enhancing user experience and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pair of resilient means (15, 29) extending from the frame (30) in a lateral direction transverse to the depth direction of the inner container (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A refrigerated goods shelf for a refrigerating appliance comprises side edges, a front and a rear edge (25, 7) having a plate (4). At least one pair of springs that can be elastically compressed in the lateral direction is arranged on the lateral edges of the plate (4).