Detachable Refrigerator Drawer Front With Secure Tool-Free Latch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated goods containers in household refrigeration appliances are difficult to clean due to fixed latching mechanisms that prevent user access for detachment.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated goods container design featuring a detachable front wall with a user-actuatable push button that can be adjusted between locking and release positions, allowing for easy removal and attachment without tools, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism and supporting contours for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the front wall is permanently fixed to the shell body via snap-in connection, then the front wall remains securely attached during use, but the user cannot access or detach the front wall for cleaning purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system is divided into two functional parts: a permanent snap-in connection for structural attachment and a separate actuating element for controlled release. The actuating element can be moved between a first position where it prevents disengagement and a second position where it allows removal, enabling both secure attachment and user access when needed.
2Reliability
If the snap-in connection is made permanently fixed, then the front wall cannot detach accidentally, but the user cannot remove it for cleaning without tool assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the snap-in connection. It mediates the transition from a locked state to an unlocked state, allowing the user to control when the front wall can be removed, thus maintaining security during normal use while enabling easy removal for cleaning when required.
3Reliability
If the latching mechanism is protected from external access, then accidental detachment is prevented, but user access for detachment is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element transitions between two dynamic states: a first position where it blocks the disengagement path and secures the front wall, and a second position where it clears the disengagement path to allow removal. This dynamic positioning enables the system to switch between protected and accessible states based on user intent.
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
Enables easy cleaning and handling of the front wall by allowing users to detach it from the shell body with minimal effort, ensuring secure attachment and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element can be integrated in the same material and in one piece on the actuating element for reasons of component reduction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a container for refrigerated products for a refrigerator, in particular a domestic refrigerator, having a shell body (1) which has a front wall (3) which is secured in a releasable manner to the shell body (1). The container for refrigerated products has at least one operating element (5) which can be operated by a user without tools. The operating element (5) can be adjusted, in particular by a lifting movement (?h), between a lock position, in which the front wall (3) is secured to the shell body (1) such that it cannot be released, and a release position, in which the front wall (3) can be removed from the shell body (1).