Detachable Clip Storage Assembly for Condensation-Free Refrigerator Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerating and freezing devices face issues with clip organization, condensation, and accessibility, as well as the need for intelligent food management, which are not adequately addressed by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

A clip assembly with a fixed member, clip storage box, and movable member that allows for organized storage, easy cleaning, and integration with electronic tags for intelligent food management, featuring a rotatable design and electronic components for monitoring food information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If clips are exposed and arranged in the refrigerator, then users can access them, but condensation forms on the clips and they are arranged disorderly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclip accessibilityVSAvoidcondensation on clips
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clip system is segmented into two parts: the clips themselves and the storage box. The storage box is detachable, allowing users to access clips easily while the box remains in the refrigerator to prevent condensation. This segmentation separates the function of clip storage from clip accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage box acts as an intermediary between the refrigerator environment and the clips. It provides a controlled environment that prevents condensation while still allowing easy access to clips through the detachable design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If clips are exposed in the refrigerator, then users can access them, but they are arranged disorderly to influence access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclip accessibilityVSAvoidclip arrangement order
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By separating clips from the refrigerator interior and placing them in a dedicated storage box, the system provides an organized container that maintains clip arrangement order while still allowing easy access through the detachable design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage box provides a structured three-dimensional space for organizing clips, transforming the disordered arrangement problem into an organized storage solution while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed clip storage structure is used, then clips are organized, but cleaning is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclip storage organizationVSAvoidcleaning accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The storage box is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the refrigerator interior. This segmentation allows the storage box to be easily removed for cleaning while maintaining its organizational function when attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage box transitions from a fixed state (when attached for organization) to a movable state (when detached for cleaning). This dynamic design allows the same structure to serve both organizational and cleaning needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Extent of automation

If electronic tags are integrated into clips, then intelligent food management is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood information monitoringVSAvoidclip structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic tag functionality is merged with the clip design, combining food information monitoring capabilities with the mechanical clip function. This integration enables intelligent food management while using the existing clip structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clip serves multiple functions: mechanical fastening and electronic food information monitoring. This multi-functionality enables intelligent food management without requiring separate devices, actually reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4180751B1Clip assembly and refrigerating and freezing device provided with same
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 QINDAO HAIER REFRIGERATOR CO LTD
  • EP4180751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4180751B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4180751B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A clip assembly and a refrigerating and freezing device provided with same, wherein the clip assembly comprises a fixed member used for fixing to the refrigerating and freezing device, clips, a clip storage box, and a movable member. The clip storage box has a storage cavity used for storing the clips. The clips may stored and organized, which is convenient for users to access. Moreover, the movable member has an accommodating space that accommodate the clip storage box. The clip storage box is detachably accommodated in the accommodating space, and the movable member is configured to operably rotate to the side away from the fixed member, which facilitates the removal of the clip storage box from within the movable member, and then the clip storage box can be cleaned.