Multi-Part Door Guide Rail for Adjustable Refrigerator Shelves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigeration appliances face challenges in easily adjustable and cost-effective production of door racks that can accommodate different types of refrigerated goods, requiring complex installation processes and specialized tools for various door heights.

Innovation Solution

A refrigeration appliance with a multi-part fastening rail system that can be adjusted in length using predetermined breaking points, allowing universal use across different door sizes, and featuring height-adjustable door racks for improved space efficiency and clarity, along with a profile panel for easy cleaning and secure attachment via self-tapping screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a single-piece fastening rail is used for different door heights, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases and production costs rise due to specialized tools for each door type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening rail attachment precisionVSAvoidproduction tool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening rail is divided into multiple segments that can be detached and reconfigured. Each segment can be independently produced using standardized tools, then assembled to create fastening rails of different lengths suitable for various door heights, eliminating the need for specialized tools for each door type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented fastening rail design allows a single set of standardized production tools to manufacture multiple versions of the fastening rail by simply reconfiguring the segments. This universal approach enables one toolset to serve multiple door height requirements, reducing overall device complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If door racks are made height-adjustable to accommodate different refrigerated goods, then adaptability improves, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor rack adaptabilityVSAvoiddoor rack installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening rail segments include predetermined breaking points that allow easy division of the rail into different lengths. This segmentation enables height adjustment of door racks while maintaining simple installation procedures, as each segment can be independently adjusted without complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening rail is provided with predetermined breaking points during manufacturing, preparing the structure in advance for easy length adjustment. This preliminary preparation allows users to simply break the rail at marked points during installation, achieving height adjustment without complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the fastening rail is made as a single integrated component, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of repair deteriorates as the entire door must be replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening rail structural strengthVSAvoidfastening rail repairability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening rail is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be independently replaced. If one segment becomes damaged or worn, only that specific segment needs to be replaced rather than the entire fastening rail or door assembly, significantly improving repairability while maintaining structural integrity through proper segment connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented design allows individual fastening rail segments to be discarded when damaged and replaced with new segments. The intact segments are recovered and reused, reducing waste and repair costs while maintaining the overall structural strength of the fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2108907B1Cooler, in particular household cooler, with multi-component door guide rail for a door shelf
Publication Date: 2015.01.21 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2108907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2108907B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2108907B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a refrigeration appliance (1), in particular a household refrigeration appliance, comprising a housing (2) with an interior space (3) for receiving goods to be cooled (4), a door (5) with an inner wall and an outer wall for opening and closing the interior space (3) with at least one door shelf (6, 7), wherein the door (5) has at least one mounting rail (8, 19) for holding the door shelf (6, 7) on its inner wall, wherein at least one mounting rail (8, 19) is designed in at least two parts in the longitudinal direction, and is characterized by simple manufacturability and ease of use.