Refrigerator Door Shelf Linkage for Expandable Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack an efficient mechanism to expand storage space by linking shelf operations with door opening/closing, limiting user convenience and storage flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a shelf that rotates outward by connecting to a second door via a variable-length connection assembly, incorporating a damping unit to absorb shock and a lower hinge assembly that restricts excessive door rotation, allowing the shelf to be stably spread and easily accessed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a shelf is fixed inside the accommodation device, then the storage space is stable and easily accessible, but the storage space cannot be expanded when the door is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between a retracted state (when door is closed) and an extended state (when door is opened). The connection assembly enables this dynamic transformation, resolving the contradiction between expanding storage volume and maintaining ease of access.
2Volume of moving object
If the shelf is linked to rotate with door opening, then storage space is expanded, but the shelf structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is designed with a telescopic structure where inner components are nested within outer components. The first connection member and second connection member can extend and retract relative to each other, allowing the mechanism to achieve variable length without requiring a completely separate complex assembly, thus reducing overall structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a damping unit is added to absorb shock during shelf rotation, then the shelf operation becomes smoother, but the connection assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping unit is integrated within the connection assembly rather than being a separate external component. The damping mechanism is combined with the telescopic connection members, allowing shock absorption functionality to be merged with the existing structural elements, thus minimizing the increase in overall complexity while achieving smoother shelf rotation.
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
Enhances user convenience by providing expanded storage space and stable shelf operation, preventing excessive door rotation and ensuring the shelf remains in a stable state for easier food accommodation.
Implementation Method 1
A damping unit which absorbs shock of the shelf during the rotation of the shelf to reduce a rotation speed of the shelf may be further disposed on the connection assembly
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member supporting the hinge rotation part upward, the elastic member providing an elasticity to maintain a contact state between the hinge rotation part and the hinge fixing part
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space, a first door opening or closing the storage space, an accommodation device defining an accommodation space opened toward a front surface of the first door, a second door disposed on the first door to open or close the accommodation device, a shelf disposed on the first door, the shelf being spread to the outside of the accommodation device by the rotation thereof, and a connection assembly connecting the shelf to the second door, the connection assembly being linked with the opening of the second door to rotate the shelf. Thus, convenience of use may be improved.