Foldable Bottle Holder for Flexible Cooling Device Shelf Space

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling devices face challenges in efficiently utilizing interior storage space due to the varying shapes and sizes of bottles, particularly when not all shelves are needed, leading to ineffective use of space and user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A cooling device with a foldable, L-shaped bottle holder that can be positioned to occupy less space when not in use, allowing for flexible use of shelves and efficient storage by being mounted on the side and rear walls, with recesses for safe bottle placement and grooves to prevent sliding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wavy shelf construction is used for bottle placement, then bottle storage convenience is improved, but space utilization deteriorates when bottles are not placed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebottle storage convenienceVSAvoidshelf space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf is segmented into a flat base portion and a separate wavy bottle holder portion. The bottle holder can be detached from the shelf, allowing the shelf to be used as a flat surface when bottles are not stored, while still providing wavy support when bottles are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bottle holder is designed to be movable and detachable rather than fixed. It can be positioned on the shelf when bottles need storage and removed or flattened when the shelf space is needed for other purposes, making the system adaptable to different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If a full-width bottle shelf is installed, then maximum bottle storage capacity is improved, but flexibility in using the shelf for other purposes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebottle storage capacityVSAvoidshelf usage flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bottle storage function is segmented into a separate detachable holder that can be placed on the shelf rather than being integrated into the shelf structure itself. This allows the shelf to serve dual purposes - as a flat surface for general storage or as a bottle-holding surface when the holder is attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a flat storage surface for various items, or when the detachable wavy holder is placed on it, it becomes a bottle storage system. The holder itself can accommodate different bottle sizes and shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the bottle holder is made detachable, then shelf flexibility is improved, but bottle storage safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf flexibilityVSAvoidbottle storage safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bottle holder features a wavy curved surface that conforms to the shape of bottles. This curved geometry provides natural support and prevents bottles from rolling or falling, ensuring stable storage even though the holder is detachable from the shelf.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3371534B1A cooling device comprising a bottle holder
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3371534B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3371534B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3371534B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising a body (2); a shelf (3) that is disposed on the body (2) and whereon the foodstuffs are placed; a first side wall (4) that is disposed on the shelf; a second side wall (5) that is parallel to the first side wall (4); a rear wall (6) that is disposed between the first side wall (4) and the second side wall (5); and at least one bottle holder (8) having at least one recess that enables the bottles to be seated safely, one end of the bottle holder (8) being mounted to the first side wall (4) or the second side wall (5) and the other end to the rear wall (6).