Drawer-Shelf Support Rail Design for Stable Refrigerator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drawer-shelf systems in refrigerators lack secure attachment of support tracks to the cover/shelf, leading to instability and potential collapse when the cover/shelf is removed, necessitating a design that ensures the crisper drawer remains securely positioned.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of separate spaced-apart support rails that are directly secured to the cover/shelf, allowing for easy assembly and ensuring the crisper drawer remains stable by engaging with shelf supports, eliminating the need for a full frame and reducing the force required for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full frame structure is used to attach support tracks to the cover/shelf, then the crisper drawer stability is improved, but the assembly complexity and force required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support rail is divided into separate functional segments: a support channel for the crisper drawer and a C-channel for shelf attachment. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring a complex full frame structure, resolving the contradiction between stability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential support function from the traditional full frame structure and concentrates it into a single integrated support rail. By taking out only the necessary support elements and combining them into one rail with dual channels, the design achieves stability without the complexity of a complete frame assembly.
2Reliability
If a traditional frame structure is used, then support track attachment is achieved, but assembly force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support rail is segmented into distinct functional zones with the C-channel specifically designed for shelf engagement. This segmentation creates a dedicated attachment interface that requires minimal assembly force while maintaining secure attachment, eliminating the need to assemble multiple frame components together.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate support rails are used instead of a full frame, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural support capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two distinct support functions into a single support rail: the support channel for crisper drawer guidance and the C-channel for shelf attachment. This merging maintains full structural support capability while simplifying the overall structure to a single piece that is easier to manufacture and assemble than a multi-component frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rail serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, guides the crisper drawer through the support channel, and attaches to the shelf via the C-channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate frame components, achieving ease of manufacture without compromising support capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A drawer-shelf system for a refrigerator includes a drawer, a support rail, and a shelf plate. The drawer has a ridge protruding therefrom. The support rail defines a first channel along a side of the support rail. The first channel is configured to receive the ridge such that the drawer is slidable relative to and supported by the support rail. The support rail has a protrusion extending upward from a first end of the support rail. The protrusion defines a second channel. The shelf plate has an outer edge extending about an outer periphery of the shelf. A first portion of the outer edge is configured to be disposed within the second channel such that the shelf plate is supported by the first end.