Frameless Refrigerator Shelf Mounting With Adapter Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator designs often feature bulky frames for attaching shelves, which restrict space and create a cluttered appearance, especially in modern kitchen settings where a sleek, frameless look is desired.
Innovation Solution
A frameless shelf design utilizing an adapter strip with coupling elements that attach to the inner wall of the refrigeration device, allowing for secure fastening without an all-around frame, thereby maintaining a clean and spacious appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete frame is used to attach the shelf to the refrigeration device, then the shelf is securely fastened, but the shelf appears bulky and restricts space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary coupling elements from the complete frame structure. Instead of surrounding the entire shelf with a frame, only minimal adapter strips with coupling elements are used at specific attachment points, removing the bulky frame while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into discrete adapter strips with coupling elements at specific locations. Rather than a continuous frame structure, the attachment function is divided into separate coupling points, reducing overall material usage and visual bulk while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a complete frame is used to attach the shelf, then the shelf is securely fastened, but the interior appears cluttered and small
Solution Approach 1:
The complete frame structure is extracted down to its essential functional elements - the coupling elements on adapter strips. This removal of unnecessary frame components creates a clean, minimalist appearance while preserving the secure attachment function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of a uniform frame structure throughout, the invention applies coupling elements only where structurally necessary. The adapter strips with coupling elements are positioned at specific locations to provide secure attachment, while the rest of the shelf surface remains free and visually open.
3Area of stationary object
If an adapter strip is used instead of a complete frame, then the shelf appears frameless and spacious, but the coupling elements must be precisely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter strips with coupling elements are pre-positioned and attached to the shelf during manufacturing or installation before the shelf is mounted in the refrigeration device. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate alignment with the fastening elements on the refrigeration device wall, eliminating the need for precise field adjustment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerating appliance, especially a household refrigerating appliance, comprising a fixing element (15, 20, 22, 24, 29, 30) for detachably fixing the bottom of a compartment (1). A coupling element (18, 19, 21, 26, 28, 31) co-operating with the fixing element (15, 20, 22, 24, 29, 30) is arranged on the bottom of the compartment. According to the invention, an adaptor strip (2, 3) comprising the coupling element is laterally arranged on the bottom (1) of the compartment (18, 19, 21, 26, 28, 31).