Variable-Width Deli Cover Brackets With Flexible Coupling Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in manufacturing refrigerator deli covers is to create a support structure that can accommodate varying liner widths without scratching the liner sidewalls during assembly, as the existing deli covers with narrower brackets struggle to expand sufficiently to couple properly with the liner sidewalls.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates flexible coupling tabs and support slots on the shelf assembly's brackets, allowing them to flex outwardly and expand from a narrower width to fit securely within the refrigerator compartment, ensuring proper coupling without damaging the liner sidewalls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the support brackets are made narrower to avoid scratching the liner sidewalls during assembly, then the risk of damaging the liner is reduced, but the ability to accommodate various liner widths is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket incorporates flexible coupling tabs that can dynamically change their position and orientation. During assembly, the tabs flex outward to accommodate different liner widths, and once positioned, they secure the bracket firmly. This dynamic flexibility allows the same bracket design to adapt to various liner dimensions without causing damage during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling tabs are designed with varying degrees of flexibility through controlled material selection and geometric design. The tabs can change their effective length and stiffness parameters during assembly - flexing outward when needed to reach different sidewall positions, then settling into a stable coupled position. This parameter change enables the bracket to maintain both narrow profile during approach and wide span during coupling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support brackets are made wider to accommodate various liner widths, then the adaptability increases, but the risk of scratching the liner sidewalls during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is segmented into a rigid body portion and flexible coupling tabs. The body portion maintains a narrower profile to avoid scratching the liner during assembly, while the coupling tabs extend outward as needed to reach and couple with the liner sidewalls at various positions. This segmentation allows different parts of the bracket to have different width characteristics optimized for their specific functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the bracket have different structural properties - the body portion is rigid and narrow for safe approach and positioning, while the coupling tabs are flexible and can extend locally to reach the liner sidewalls. This local differentiation of quality allows the bracket to simultaneously maintain a safe narrow profile overall while providing extended reach where needed for coupling.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling tabs are made more flexible to expand outwardly for coupling, then the ease of installation improves, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling tabs are designed with optimized flexibility parameters through material selection and cross-sectional geometry. The tabs have sufficient flexibility to bend outward during assembly but maintain adequate structural strength through appropriate thickness and width dimensions. The flexibility parameter is tuned to allow easy installation while preserving load-bearing capacity for the intended application.
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
This solution enables the shelf assembly to be installed without scratching the liner sidewalls and expands to securely couple with the compartment, providing a stable and adjustable fit for various liner widths, enhancing the assembly process and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling tabs are flexible tabs configured to flex outwardly relative to the upright portion of the body portion for coupling the first and second brackets to a refrigerator compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A variable width shelf assembly includes a shelf panel with first and second support brackets. One or more support slots and one or more relief slots are disposed on an upright portion of the support brackets. One or more coupling tabs are disposed adjacent to one of the one or more support slots and one of the one or more relief slots. The coupling tabs are flexible tabs configured to flex outwardly relative to the upright portion of the support brackets for coupling the first and second brackets to a refrigerator compartment. Mounting plates mounted on a refrigerator include mounting features that are received in the support slots of the support brackets. Abutment guides on the mounting plates are used to guide a bending motion of the coupling tabs in assembly.