Under-Mount Crisper Rollers for Smooth Removable Drawer Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing crisper drawer systems in refrigerators are complex to install and remove, often causing binding issues due to uneven movement, which complicates access and storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
An under mount roller system with rollers extending from the drawer to move within channels on the support system, providing even resistance and easy installation and removal, while maintaining storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a track system is used to allow drawers to move within the refrigerator compartment, then the drawers can be removed and reinstalled, but the structure becomes complex and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer assembly is segmented into the drawer body and a separate roller assembly. The rollers are attached to the drawer and engage with simple channels in the refrigerator compartment, allowing the drawer to be removed and reinstalled without complex track structures. This segmentation simplifies both the drawer design and the compartment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement function is extracted from the compartment structure and transferred to the drawer assembly through the roller mechanism. Instead of having complex tracks built into the compartment, the rollers on the drawer itself provide the movement capability, simplifying the compartment structure to just simple channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a track system is used to allow drawers to move, then the drawers can be removed, but the movement becomes uneven causing binding and making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly includes multiple rollers positioned at different locations on the drawer (front and rear rollers). This distribution of rollers ensures that the drawer moves evenly along the channels, preventing binding and ensuring smooth operation. Each roller contacts the channel at a specific point, creating uniform movement throughout the drawer's travel.
3Ease of operation
If rollers are added to the drawer for movement within channels, then the drawer can move smoothly, but the storage capacity of the drawer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers extend downward from the bottom surface of the drawer, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than occupying horizontal storage space. This allows the rollers to be positioned below the main storage area, minimizing their impact on the drawer's storage capacity while still providing smooth movement along the channels.
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 system simplifies the installation and removal of crisper drawers, reduces friction, and maintains storage capacity by ensuring even movement and integration with the refrigerator's support system.
Implementation Method 1
The rollers are configured to be placed in the channels of the support system to aid in the movement of the drawer relative to the refrigerator compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is provided that includes a crisper system having one or more moveable and removable drawers. The drawers include rollers extending downwardly and outwardly from the drawers to provide maximum storage volume. The rollers are configured to work with channels formed in a support system, which may be integrally formed with a bottom floor of a compartment of the refrigerator. Therefore, the rollers and channels of the support system provide easy access and removability of the drawers of the crisper system.