Refrigerator Door Insert Structure for Adjustable Load-Bearing Shelves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliance door components lack versatility in design and load-bearing capacity, with outer walls contributing minimally to structural integrity and being prone to flexing under load, and existing solutions do not easily allow for design variation or easy replacement of damaged parts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of horizontally movable holding elements with spring tongues on side panels that can be actuated by users for secure engagement and disengagement with the door, along with vertical grooves for height adjustment, and the use of a decorative railing system that enhances structural integrity and conceals the difference between the decorative part and the railing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outer wall of the built-in part is designed as a hollow body, then the appearance can be varied, but the load-bearing capacity is reduced and the wall tends to flex outwards under load
Solution Approach 1:
The built-in part is divided into modular components: a base body and interchangeable filling bodies. The filling bodies can be removed and replaced independently, allowing appearance variation while the base body maintains structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling bodies are combined with the base body through a snap-fit connection system. The holding elements in the side panels engage with corresponding features in the filling bodies, creating a unified structure that leverages the strength of the base body while allowing aesthetic customization through different filling bodies.
2Device complexity
If the holding element is made fixed, then the structure is simplified, but the built-in part cannot be easily removed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are designed as spring-loaded components that provide dynamic functionality. In the resting state, they engage securely with the door structure. When actuated by the user, they deform to release the engagement, enabling easy removal or adjustment of the built-in part without complex mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If supporting projections are densely staggered on the door, then height adjustment flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity of the door increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door structure is segmented into a base door and separate rail components. The rails with densely staggered receptacles are manufactured as independent elements that can be attached to the door, transferring the manufacturing complexity from the door itself to replaceable accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The rails act as intermediary components between the door and the built-in part. They provide the dense staggering of receptacles for supporting projections, enabling fine height adjustment without requiring the door itself to be manufactured with complex features.
4Shape
If the outer wall is made thin for aesthetic purposes, then the appearance is improved, but the structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The built-in part is segmented into a load-bearing base body and non-structural filling bodies. The filling bodies can be made thin for aesthetic purposes since they do not carry structural loads, while the base body maintains the necessary thickness and strength for structural integrity.
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 variation of the door component's appearance, enhances load-bearing capacity, allows for easy replacement of damaged parts, and provides adjustable height settings without complicating the manufacturing process, while maintaining a cohesive and reinforced structural design.
Implementation Method 1
Such a filling body preferably comprises a spring tongue which carries the supporting projection
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an insert for mounting on a door of a refrigeration device, comprising a base (2) and hollow lateral walls (5) connected by the base (2). Said lateral walls (5) comprise a closed lower side (33), and an extraction opening (32) of the lateral walls (5) is formed on a rear side of the insert facing towards the door (40).