Folding Shelf Mechanism for Refrigerator Storage Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs lack efficient and space-saving shelving systems that can accommodate varying storage needs while maintaining optimal temperature conditions for fresh and frozen food compartments.
Innovation Solution
A shelving system featuring a stationary shelf with a folding shelf that can be deployed or folded under the stationary shelf, utilizing sliders and suspenders for movement, allowing for adjustable shelving space and improved temperature maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a folding shelf is added to increase storage capacity, then the storage flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding shelf is designed to nest underneath the stationary shelf when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. This allows the folding shelf to be stored within the existing shelving space without requiring additional external space, thereby increasing storage flexibility while maintaining compact overall dimensions and avoiding excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The folding shelf transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one, allowing it to be folded and unfolded as needed. This dynamic capability enables the shelf to adapt between different storage configurations (single shelf mode vs. dual shelf mode), improving versatility while the folding mechanism remains relatively simple and integrated into the existing shelving structure
2Volume of moving object
If a folding shelf with suspenders is implemented to optimize storage space, then the storage capacity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelving system is divided into separate components: a stationary shelf, a folding shelf, sliders, and suspenders. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, and then assembled together. The modular approach increases storage capacity while keeping individual manufacturing steps relatively simple and avoiding excessive complexity in the overall manufacturing process
3Adaptability or versatility
If the folding shelf is made movable to enhance storage flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of temperature maintenance may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The folding shelf and its support mechanisms (suspenders and sliders) are pre-configured to move along predetermined paths and positions. When folded or unfolded, the shelf maintains proper spacing from the stationary shelf and refrigerator walls, ensuring that air circulation patterns are not disrupted. This preliminary design of movement paths ensures that temperature maintenance reliability is preserved while still providing storage flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator shelving system includes a stationary shelf, a pair of first and second sliders supported under opposite sides of the stationary shelf and configured to move longitudinally front and rear support tabs associated with each of the sliders and longitudinally spaced from each other, and a folding shelf. A front pair of opposing suspenders have first portions pivotally attached to the sliders and a second portions pivotally attached to the folding shelf. A rear pair of opposing suspenders have first portions pivotally attached to the sliders and second portions pivotally attached to the folding shelf. The folding shelf is movable from a deployed position, in which the front and rear suspenders are vertical to place the folding shelf under, and spaced from, the stationary shelf, to a folded position in which the front and rear suspenders are horizontal and disposed on top surfaces of the front and rear support tabs to nest the folding shelf under the stationary shelf.