Flexible Refrigerator Separator for Adjustable Shelf Zoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household refrigeration appliances face challenges in efficiently organizing and accessing various refrigerated goods due to predetermined shelf and container spaces, making it difficult to accommodate both smaller and larger items while maintaining clarity and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A flexible dividing element with adjustable wall and fastening components, including film hinges and suction/clamping elements, allows for customizable division of storage areas within refrigerators, enabling optimal space utilization and easy access by being bendable, foldable, and adaptable to different shapes and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If fixed shelves and refrigerated goods containers are used to maximize storage space, then the storage capacity is improved, but the flexibility and ease of organization for different types of refrigerated goods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space is divided into multiple compartments using separating elements that can be positioned at different locations. These separators create individual storage zones within the larger refrigerated space, allowing organized storage of different goods types while maintaining overall space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating elements are designed to be movable and repositionable along the shelves and containers. This dynamic capability allows the storage configuration to be adjusted according to different storage needs, transforming fixed space into adaptable storage zones without reducing overall capacity.
2Volume of moving object
If large storage areas are provided to accommodate bigger refrigerated goods, then the storage capacity is improved, but the ease of accessing and organizing smaller items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Large storage areas are segmented into smaller compartments using adjustable separators. This creates distinct zones for different item sizes and types, making it easier to locate and access specific items while maintaining the overall large storage capacity for bigger goods.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the storage space are differentiated by introducing separators that create locally optimized compartments. Smaller items can be stored in organized sections while larger items occupy the remaining space, with each area having qualities suited to its specific storage needs.
3Ease of operation
If multiple fixed storage compartments are created to organize different refrigerated goods, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to changing storage needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separating elements are designed with movable features that allow them to be repositioned along the shelves and containers. This enables the storage compartment configuration to be dynamically adjusted according to changing storage needs, maintaining both organization and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating elements serve multiple functions: they create organizational compartments, can be repositioned for different storage configurations, and work across various shelf and container types. This multi-functionality provides both ease of operation and adaptability to changing requirements.
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 solution provides a flexible and space-efficient organization system that adapts to the size and quantity of refrigerated goods, enhancing clarity and accessibility without restricting space for larger items, and can be used in various compartments beyond refrigerators.
Implementation Method 1
At least one fastening element is preferably arranged at any point on the floor surface and/or a side wall of the refrigerated goods container
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a separating element (1) for spatial division of a region of an inner chamber (43) of a household refrigeration device (4), wherein the separating element (1) divides the shelf regions of refrigerated goods containers (2) and/or shelf plates (3) into multiple regions, characterized in that the separating element (1) has at least one wall element (12) and at least one fastening element (11) and can be flexibly arranged and removed again on any surfaces and refrigerated goods containers (2) for receiving refrigerated goods in the inner chamber (43) of a household refrigeration device (4), having a floor surface (21) and a side wall (22) at least partially surrounding said surface and a separating element (1) and a household refrigeration device (4) for receiving refrigerated goods, having an inner chamber (43) which can be sealed by a door (41) having one or more refrigerated goods containers (2) and/or shelf surfaces (3) which form shelf regions of the inner chamber (43) of the household refrigeration device and are divided by at least one separating element (1).