Foldable Refrigerator Shelf Stop for Stable Drawer Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic refrigeration appliances often have vegetable trays that are cumbersome to access and can cause pressure points or damage to stored goods due to their design, and the presence of a compressor niche reduces the container depth, leading to poorer lateral guidance and instability.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated goods shelf with a rear section having a stop along its longitudinal edge that protrudes to support the front, foldable section, providing self-locking and improved stability, allowing for easier loading and removal without separating unintentionally, and incorporating a rib-shaped reinforcement for increased rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drawer-like container is arranged close to the ground and covered by a storage shelf, then goods can be stored, but accessing the drawer becomes cumbersome and may cause pressure points or damage to stored goods
Solution Approach 1:
The storage shelf is divided into a fixed rear section and a movable front section that can be lifted independently. This segmentation allows the front section to be raised to access the drawer below without removing the entire shelf, reducing handling complexity and preventing damage to stored goods.
Solution Approach 2:
The front section of the storage shelf is designed to be dynamically movable rather than fixed. It can be lifted to an upper position to facilitate drawer access and then returned to its original position, providing dynamic adaptability to different operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If the front section of the storage shelf is made foldable to improve accessibility, then loading becomes easier, but the structure becomes more complex and may lack stability
Solution Approach 1:
The storage shelf is segmented into fixed and movable parts, with the front section designed for independent movement. This segmentation enables simplified loading operations while maintaining overall structural integrity through the fixed rear section.
Solution Approach 2:
The front section is equipped with a handle that enables users to easily grasp and lift it without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. This self-service design simplifies the loading process while minimizing structural complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple stops are provided on the foldable cover to prevent unintended folding, then stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple stops distributed across the foldable cover, a single stop is extracted and positioned on the rear section of the storage shelf. This stop engages with the front section to prevent unintended folding, achieving the desired stability with minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop acts as an intermediary element between the rear and front sections of the storage shelf. It provides the necessary stabilization function by preventing unintended folding of the front section while maintaining simplicity in the overall design.
4Strength
If the stop is provided on the rear section instead of the foldable cover, then forces are better absorbed and the coupling connection is less stressed, but the stop must be designed to reach under the front section
Solution Approach 1:
The stop is extracted from the foldable cover and repositioned on the rear section of the storage shelf. This extraction allows the stop to better absorb forces and reduce stress on the coupling connection between the rear and front sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop is designed to extend in a direction that allows it to reach under the front section of the storage shelf. This dimensional arrangement enables the stop to effectively support and stabilize the front section while maintaining a simple structural design.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerator (10), in particular a household refrigerator, comprising at least one shelf (18, 24) in at least one interior space (13) with at least one rear shelf section (18) and at least one front shelf section (24) which are coupled to each other. The rear shelf section (18) has a protruding stop (26) along its longitudinal edge (201) which faces the front shelf section (24), said protruding stop engaging beneath the front shelf section (24) when the second shelf section (24) is arranged in its storage end position (AP) in the plane of the first shelf section (18).