Container system for a cabinet
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator slide assemblies used in freezer compartments are expensive due to the need for low-temperature tolerance and are space-constrained, limiting the available space for baskets within the compartment.
Innovation Solution
A slide assembly system where the door is slidably coupled externally to the cabinet using a rail assembly with linear guide members and carriage members, allowing the door to telescope and providing a support structure that does not require low-temperature components, thus reducing costs and increasing space for the basket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slide assemblies are mounted within the freezer compartment to slidably couple the door and basket, then the door and basket can be supported, but the available lateral space for the basket is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The slide assembly is extracted from the interior of the freezer compartment and mounted externally on the cabinet. This removes the obstruction from the interior space, allowing the basket to extend fully from one side surface to the other without being blocked by the slide assembly components.
2Reliability
If slide assemblies are mounted within the freezer compartment, then the door can be slidably coupled to the cabinet, but expensive low-temperature components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The slide assembly is extracted from the cold freezer environment and relocated to the exterior of the cabinet where ambient temperatures prevail. This allows the use of standard, cost-effective materials and components that do not require special low-temperature tolerance, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
3Force
If slide assemblies are mounted within the freezer compartment, then the door and basket can be supported, but the slide assemblies must be very robust to handle the combined weight
Solution Approach 1:
The slide assembly is repositioned to the exterior of the cabinet, allowing it to support the door and basket weight from outside the enclosure. This external mounting provides better structural leverage and distribution of forces, enabling the use of simpler, less robust components while still handling the combined weight effectively.
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
This configuration reduces the need for expensive low-temperature components and maximizes the lateral space within the freezer compartment by locating the slide assemblies externally, allowing for efficient and cost-effective operation while maintaining access to the compartment.
Implementation Method 1
The rail assembly comprises at least one linear guide member and at least one carriage member slidably coupled to the linear guide member
Implementation Method 2
the at least one bearing comprises a first roller bearing provided within the first linear guide channel and a second roller bearing provided within the second linear guide channel
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an enclosure. The enclosure is bounded by a lower surface, a pair of opposing side surfaces and an upper surface. The apparatus further includes a door for providing selective access to the enclosure that is slidable relative to the cabinet between an open and a closed position, the door being slidably coupled to the cabinet by a slide assembly located externally of the enclosure.