Extractable Wine Shelf Sidewall Adapter for Adjustable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving systems for refrigerating appliances, such as wine coolers, lack adjustable and secure configurations that allow for easy access and optimal storage of items like wine bottles, with limited flexibility in accommodating varying interior dimensions and angles.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system featuring a cabinet liner with opposing sidewall adapters having vertically spaced ledges and a base plate with apertures for glide assemblies, coupled with adjustable fasteners and magnets, enabling slideable shelves that can be adjusted for fore and aft movement and accommodating various storage angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are made fixed and non-adjustable, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to different storage needs are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system is divided into independent modular components: sidewall adapters with multiple ledges, glide assemblies with tabs, and magnet assemblies. Each component can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing flexible shelf configuration without redesigning the entire system. The sidewall adapters feature multiple vertically spaced ledges that can accommodate different shelf heights and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed shelves to dynamically adjustable shelves through the combination of glide assemblies and magnet assemblies. The glide assemblies allow smooth fore-and-aft movement, while the magnet assemblies provide adjustable positioning at different locations along the sidewalls. This dynamic configuration enables users to adapt shelf positions to varying storage requirements.
2Ease of operation
If shelves are made slideable for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but secure positioning and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Magnet assemblies serve as intermediaries between the glide assemblies and the sidewall adapters. The magnets provide an intermediate magnetic field interaction that enables both smooth sliding movement and secure positioning. This intermediary mechanism allows shelves to be easily accessed while maintaining stable positioning when stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic force parameters of the magnet assemblies can be adjusted by changing the distance between the magnet and the glide assembly tab. This parameter change allows the system to transition between easy sliding mode (when magnets are farther apart) and secure positioning mode (when magnets are closer together), providing both ease of operation and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable fasteners are used to mount sidewall adapters, then adaptability to different cabinet dimensions is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate adjustable fastener components that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows each fastener to be tailored to specific cabinet dimensions without requiring custom manufacturing for each installation, simplifying both manufacture and assembly while maintaining adaptability.
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
The system provides flexible and secure storage solutions by allowing shelves to be easily accessed and adjusted, accommodating different interior dimensions and angles, ensuring optimal storage and preservation of items like wine bottles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnet disposed within the base plate and configured to attract the glide assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A shelving system (10) for an appliance (14) may include a sidewall adapter (42, 46) coupled to a side of a cabinet liner (18). The sidewall adapter (42, 46) may include a body (50) defining at least one ledge (54) and a base plate (58) coupled to the at least one ledge (54). The base plate (58) may define at least one aperture (62) configured to receive a tab (66) on a glide assembly (70). At least two adjustable fasteners (78) may be coupled to the cabinet liner (18) and may be configured to mount the sidewall adapter (42, 46) to the cabinet liner (18). A shelf (82) may be coupled to the glide assemblies (70) such that the shelf (82) is slideable within the cabinet liner (18).