Dual-Bin Refrigerator Door with Selectable Container Presentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated door opening designs in refrigerators only allow for the presentation of the lower container, failing to provide selectable presentation of either container, and are not adaptable to various storage compartments and appliances.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system with a compartment containing a first and second container, a door operably connected to the second container, and a selection device that allows users to input a selection of either container, enabling the selected container to be presented in an accessible position when the door is opened, with engagement members facilitating the movement of the first container into the accessible position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If door is designed to open only for lower container, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different container selections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by receiving user input through the selection device before the door opens. This advance selection allows the door mechanism to be pre-configured (via the engagement member) to pull either the upper or lower container outward, enabling adaptability without requiring multiple different door structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member automatically engages with the selected container based on user input, and the door mechanism self-adjusts to pull the appropriate container outward. This self-service capability allows the system to adapt to different container selections without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If engagement member is added to pull upper container, then accessibility to upper container is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member is merged with the existing door assembly rather than being a separate independent mechanism. This integration allows the door to perform dual functions (opening for lower container or pulling both containers for upper container access) without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator is provided that includes a compartment, a first container, a second container, a door, and a selection device. The first container is located in the compartment and configured to be movable in a first direction. The second container is located in the compartment and configured to be movable in the first direction. The door is operably connected to the second container and configured to provide access to at least one of the first container and the second container of the compartment when the door is moved to an open position. The door is also configured to inhibit access to the compartment when the door is moved to a closed position. The selection device is located on the refrigerator and configured for inputting a selection of either the first container or the second container. The selected container is presented in an accessible position when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position.