Dual-Rail Beverage Holder for Bottles, Cans, and Unused Fridge Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage holders for refrigerators are limited in their ability to simultaneously and efficiently store bottles and cans, often requiring separate configurations or not utilizing unused space effectively.
Innovation Solution
A beverage holder that mounts to the refrigerator's surface, featuring a combination of rails and slots that allow for the secure storage of both bottles and cans in multiple rows, utilizing otherwise unutilized space and providing improved visibility and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a beverage holder uses only bottle neck racks or C-shaped tracks, then bottles can be stored, but cans cannot be stored simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage holder integrates multiple storage mechanisms into a single unit: bottle neck racks for bottles and C-shaped tracks for cans. This multi-functional design allows the same device to accommodate different types of beverage containers simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by combining functions rather than creating separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges bottle storage (via neck racks) and can storage (via C-shaped tracks) into a unified beverage holder structure. The bottle neck racks and C-shaped tracks are integrated components that work together within the same mounting space, allowing both bottles and cans to be stored simultaneously without requiring separate storage systems
2Quantity of substance
If a beverage holder stores bottles and cans separately, then each container type can be stored, but space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage holder utilizes vertical space within the refrigerator door by mounting to the inner surface, creating a third dimension for storage. The bottle neck racks and C-shaped tracks are arranged vertically and horizontally to maximize the use of available door space, allowing storage of multiple bottles and cans in a compact footprint that would otherwise be unused
3Area of stationary object
If a beverage holder mounts to the refrigerator surface, then space is utilized, but accessibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage holder is divided into separate functional segments: bottle neck racks for bottles and C-shaped tracks for cans. This segmentation allows users to access either bottles or cans independently by reaching for the specific section needed, maintaining ease of operation while utilizing mounted space. The modular design enables selective access without requiring removal of the entire holder
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A beverage holder (10) includes a platform (20) with a slot (60) disposed therethrough. First and second rails (40, 42) extend downwardly from an underside (20B) of the platform (20) on either side of the slot (60). The first and second rail (40, 42) are configured to retain cans, at upper portions of the cans, in a sliding manner therebetween. The slot (60) is centrally positioned between the first and second rails (40, 42) and configured to suspend bottle top portions therefrom.